Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is celebrated differently across India which depicts diverse regional beliefs and traditions. Despite these diverse beliefs, the core theme of the festival is the win of good over evil. According to the Ramayana, the festival marks the time when Lord Rama was banished and Ravana, the demon king, kidnapped his wife Sita and took her to Lanka. The name “Dussehra” comes from two Sanskrit words: “Dasha” meaning ten, and “Hara” meaning defeat. The festival also marks the transition from summer to winter. However, people are eagerly waiting for Dussehra 2024 to celebrate it with the utmost joy and enthusiasm as every passing year.
In this blog, you will get to know about all the Dussehra 2024 details, such as the start and end date, the history and significance of Dussehra, its celebration across the country, and much more.
Dussehra 2024: Date And Timings
Dussehra comes at the end of the nine-day-long festival of Navratri. Dussehra 2024 date in India Calendar falls on the 10th day of Ashwin or Kartik month. Thus, this year Dussehra is said to be celebrated on Saturday, October 12th. The Vijay Muhurat is said to be around 02: 03 PM to 02:49 PM.
The specific timings for Dussehra rituals can vary based on regional customs and the local lunar calendar. Typically, the celebrations include various events throughout the day, with the most significant rituals occurring in the afternoon and evening.
Significance And History of Dussehra
The festival Dussehra has great significance in Hindu Religion as it marks the victory of good over evil and teaches a critical lesson for current and upcoming generations.
- Victory of Lord Rama: Dussehra celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana which signifies the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated with grand reenactments of the Ramayana, particularly the burning of models of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnath.
- Durga Puja: In some regions, particularly in Eastern India, Dussehra marks the end of Durga Puja which celebrates the goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This part of the festival is known for its elaborate rituals, processions, and cultural performances.
- Symbolic Meanings: The festival also signifies the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest season. It is a time for cleansing and renewal, both spiritually and physically.
Celebrations of Dussehra across India
India is a vast country and each section of the country celebrates Dussehra in their own way, same goes for Dussehra 2024. From the North to the Southern region, every style caters to the utmost celebration of joy and enthusiasm.
On the northern side:
- Ramlila Performances: On the purest occasion of Dussehra, many theatrical reenactments of episodes from the Ramayana, known as Ramlila, are staged across various areas in the country. These performances or enactments culminated in the victory of Lord Rama over the devil soul Ravana.
On the eastern side:
- Durga Puja: In West Bengal and surrounding areas, Dussehra overlaps with the end of Durga Puja. During this festival, beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga are displayed in elaborate temporary structures called pandals. The celebration wraps up with the immersion (Visarjan) of these idols in rivers or ponds, symbolizing Durga’s return to her heavenly home and her victory over the demon Mahishasura.
On the southern side:
- Mysore Dasara: In Karnataka, Mysore Dasara is famous for its grand celebrations, including a royal parade called Jamboo Savari. This event features decorated elephants carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, and the Mysore Palace is adorned with thousands of lights, creating a stunning sight.
On the western side:
- Navratri Celebrations: In Gujarat, the festival of Navratri, which leads up to Dussehra, is marked by lively Garba and Dandiya Raas dances that continue late into the night. On Dussehra, idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water bodies.
- Apta Tree Worship: In Maharashtra, people exchange leaves from the Apta tree as symbols of gold, celebrating the day as one of victory and prosperity.
Other regular celebrations include:
- Effigy Burning: Large effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnath are burned in public spaces, symbolizing the destruction of evil.
- Festive Feasts and Gatherings: Families come together to enjoy festive foods, participate in religious ceremonies, and enjoy cultural events.
- Community Activities: Many communities hold fairs, exhibitions, and processions during this time, featuring traditional music, dance, and crafts.
Hence, with such enthusiasm and joy, people in India await this prestigious festival and indulge in all kinds of activities such as family gatherings, traditional foods, and much more. On the other hand, Kids eagerly wait for the Dussehra 2024 school holidays to spend with their friends and family.
Conclusion
Dussehra is a wonderful occasion to enjoy quality time with loved ones. If you’re considering a trip to some of India’s top destinations during Dussehra 2024 then Rajasthan Tours India can help you in many ways. With our customer-centric approach, dedicated team, and years of expertise, we are experts in providing excellent travel services. For a memorable Dussehra getaway, make Rajasthan Tours India, your trusted travel partner.
