Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm throughout India. It falls on the tenth day of the bright half of the lunar month of Ashwin, which typically corresponds to September or October on the Gregorian calendar.

Dussehra holds deep religious and cultural significance and is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Dussehra 2023 Date: October 24, Tuesday.

Tithi Time: October 23, 05:45 PM - October 24, 03:14 PM.

Mythological Significance: The origin of Dussehra is rooted in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. According to the legend, Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshmana, battled the formidable demon king Ravana, who had kidnapped Sita. After a fierce and epic battle, Lord Rama vanquished Ravana and rescued Sita, restoring righteousness and dharma to the world. Dussehra marks the day when Lord Rama achieved this victory, signifying the victory of virtue over vice.

Preparations and Rituals: Preparations for Dussehra typically start well in advance. People clean and decorate their homes, and in some regions, they set up temporary stages known as "Ram Lila grounds," where dramatic reenactments of scenes from the Ramayana are performed. These plays, called Ram Lila, are an essential part of Dussehra celebrations.

The Ravana Effigy: One of the most iconic aspects of Dussehra celebrations is the burning of huge effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghanada (Indrajit) in a grand spectacle. These effigies, often towering multiple stories high, are filled with fireworks and set ablaze in the evening. The burning of the Ravana effigy symbolizes the destruction of evil and the victory of good.

Worship of Weapons and Tools: On Dussehra, it is customary for people, particularly in rural areas, to worship and offer prayers to their tools, instruments, and weapons as a mark of respect for the tools of their trade and their importance in their lives.

Cultural and Regional Variations: While the core theme of Dussehra remains consistent across India, there are regional variations in how the festival is celebrated. In some states, like West Bengal, Dussehra coincides with Durga Puja, a celebration of the goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. In North India, the festival often includes processions, music, and dances. In the southern state of Mysore, the Mysore Dasara is a grand and elaborate affair, featuring a royal procession with the goddess Chamundeshwari's idol on a beautifully decorated elephant.

Vijayadashami: The day following Dussehra is celebrated as Vijayadashami, which marks the auspicious beginning of new ventures, the initiation of learning, and the pursuit of knowledge. It is considered an ideal time for children to commence their education, and in many places, books and tools are placed before the goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom and learning, for blessings.