Dussehra 2024: Date, Time, Puja Vidhi, Shubh Mahurat and all you need to know

Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashami. It is considered to be one of the most important Hindu celebrations. It represents the victory of goodness over evil. It celebrates Lord Ram's battle with the ten-headed demon ruler Ravana, as well as the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Here are all of the most significant details about Dussehra 2024, including the exact date and time, Puja Vidhi, Shubh Muhurat, and its importance.


Dussehra 2024: When is Vijayadashmi?


This year, Dussehra falls on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The Dashami tithi (the tenth day of the lunar calendar) will start on October 12 at 10:58 AM and will end on October 13 at 9:08 AM. Even though the Dashami tithi extends into October 13, Dussehra will be primarily celebrated on October 12 with grand festivities, including Ravana Dahan, which is the burning of Ravana’s effigy.

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Dussehra 2024: When is the Shubh Muhurat?


The Shubh Muhurat for Dussehra is very much important for those who want to perform the rituals at the most auspicious time. According to Drik Panchang:


- Vijay Muhurat: From 2:03 PM to 2:49 PM on October 12, 2024.
- Aparahna Puja time: From 1:17 PM to 3:35 PM on October 12, 2024.

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The Shravana Nakshatra, which is considered auspicious, begins at 5:25 AM on October 12 and ends at 4:27 AM on October 13. Performing Dussehra rituals within these time frames is believed to bring most blessings, good fortune, and success.


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Dussehra 2024: What are the Puja Vidhi (rituals)?


India celebrates Dussehra with a variety of customs and rituals. The celebration's central theme—celebrating the triumph of good over evil—remains the same. Here’s how the puja is typically performed:

• Thoroughly clean the area where the puja will take place. A clean and sacred space invites positivity and blessings.
• Depending on what you believe in, you can either place an idol of Lord Rama, Goddess Durga, or both on a clean altar.
• Offer fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deities. Some also offer weapons as part of the puja, especially in regions where tools and vehicles are worshipped to seek blessings for professional success.
• Chant prayers and mantras in honour of Lord Rama or Goddess Durga. It is an integral part of the ritual. Recite prayers with sincerity to seek protection, courage, and success.
• The aarti, performed with a diya (lamp), is the concluding part of the puja. It is accompanied by devotional songs and prayers.

Read more: Happy Dussehra 2024: Best Messages, Quotes, Wishes, and Images to share on Vijayadashami


In the evening, massive effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran, and son Meghnath are burned to represent the end of evil and the triumph of good. This is the most awaited element of the celebration for many, as it is said to bring good fortune.




See More: Happy Dussehra 2024: Images, Wishes, Messages, Quotes, Pictures and Greeting Cards

Dussehra 2024: What is the significance of this festival?


Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a significant spiritual and cultural day. The term "Vijayadashami" is derived from two Sanskrit words: Vijaya (victory) and Dashami (tenth), and refers to the triumph of good over evil on the tenth day of the Navratri festival.


According to the Ramayana, Lord Ram defeated the demon king Ravana, who had abducted his wife Sita. Dussehra is celebrated to mark the end of this battle and signifies the victory of truth, virtue, and righteousness over evil.

In many parts of India, especially West Bengal, Dussehra coincides with Durga Puja. It commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of divine power over malevolence.

Dussehra also marks the end of the nine-day festival of Navratri, a period dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. It is considered the final day to offer prayers to the goddess before bidding her farewell with the immersion of her idol.




Dussehra 2024: Why is it celebrated?


Dussehra teaches us that no matter how powerful evil may seem, it will eventually be defeated by righteousness and good deeds. The burning of Ravana’s effigy on Dussehra signifies the end of negativity and bad karma. This day also encourages people to embrace goodness and positivity in their lives.


In various regions, special customs like Sindoor Khela in West Bengal (where women smear each other with sindoor) and Dhunuchi dance take place. The festival is not only a religious observance but also a cultural celebration that brings communities together.


India celebrates Dussehra with great enthusiasm. This occasion serves as an important reminder that good always wins over evil. Whether it's Goddess Durga's victory of Mahishasura or Lord Ram's victory over the ten-headed demon Ravana, the celebration honors the value of justice, bravery, and righteousness. Large crowds of people gather together to watch the legendary Ravana Dahan. People celebrate this important victory with joyful processions, and customs.