Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important Hindu festivals celebrated across India with immense devotion. In 2025, Dussehra will be observed on Thursday, October 2. The festival symbolizes the eternal truth that good always triumphs over evil. It is associated with two great legends: Lord Shri Ram’s victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura.
Every year, devotees celebrate this occasion by performing rituals, organizing Ram Leela plays, and conducting grand Ravan Dahan events. The festival also marks the conclusion of the nine-day Navratri celebrations.
Date & Muhurat for Dussehra 2025
- Festival Name: Dussehra / Vijayadashami
Date: Thursday, 2 October 2025
Tithi: Ashwin Shukla Dashami
The day is considered highly auspicious for starting new ventures, purchasing assets, or performing spiritual practices.
Significance of Dussehra
Dussehra carries mythological, spiritual, and cultural importance:
- Victory of Lord Ram over Ravana – The festival marks the day when Lord Shri Ram killed Ravana, ending the rule of injustice and ego.
- Victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura – According to Devi Mahatmya, it is also the day Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of divine power over evil forces.
- End of Navratri – Dussehra concludes the nine-day worship of Goddess Durga during Sharad Navratri.
- Symbol of Positivity – It inspires people to overcome inner weaknesses such as anger, pride, and greed.
Dussehra Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Rituals)
Performing the Dussehra puja with faith brings peace, prosperity, and strength. Here’s the method:
- Morning Preparations – Take a bath and wear new or clean traditional clothes.
- Purification – Sprinkle Ganga Jal to sanctify the puja area and decorate it with flowers.
- Deity Worship – Place idols or images of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, and Goddess Durga.
- Shami Tree Puja – Worship the sacred Shami tree, believed to remove negativity and bring prosperity.
- Offerings – Light a lamp and incense sticks, and offer flowers, sandalwood, fruits, and sweets.
- Aarti & Prasad – Perform aarti and distribute prasad among family members and guests.
Puja Samagri (List of Materials)
For a proper Dussehra puja, the following items are needed:
- Idols or pictures of Lord Ram and Goddess Durga
- Shami tree leaves
- Incense sticks, lamp, and cotton wicks
- Sandalwood paste, roli, and akshat (rice grains)
- Flowers, fruits, sweets, naivedya
- Betel leaves, betel nuts, cloves, coconut
- Kalash filled with Ganga Jal
- Yellow cloth
Dussehra Puja & Removal of Negativity
Traditionally, on Dussehra people worship their vehicles, weapons, and machinery by decorating them with flowers and garlands. It is believed that this ritual removes negativity, protects them from theft, breakdowns, and accidents, and enhances good fortune.
The Three Most Auspicious Days
In Hindu astrology, Dussehra is considered one of the “Three Most Auspicious Days” of the year. These days are so powerful that no additional muhurat is required to start any new venture.
The list includes:
- Chaitra Shukla Pratipada – The Hindu New Year day.
- Ashwin Shukla Dashami – Dussehra.
- Vaishakh Shukla Tritiya – Akshaya Tritiya.
These days are naturally blessed and are ideal for religious ceremonies, business inaugurations, and auspicious beginnings.
Shastra Puja (Worship of Weapons)
One of the unique traditions of Dussehra is Shastra Puja, or weapon worship. It is believed that honoring weapons ensures strength, protection, and victory.
Procedure:
- Collect all weapons and tools at one place.
- Clean them properly and sprinkle Ganga Jal.
- Apply turmeric or vermillion tilak.
- Offer flowers, fruits, incense, and Shami leaves.
This practice continues in many Indian states, and even in military establishments and government armories, where Shastra Puja is performed with great respect.
Importance of Weapon Worship
In Sanatan Dharma, both Shastra (scriptures) and Shastra (weapons) hold immense significance. In ancient times:
- Brahmins worshipped sacred scriptures.
- Vaishyas honored their account books.
- Kshatriyas performed rituals for their weapons.
This was a way of expressing gratitude towards the tools that sustained their livelihood, protection, and duties. Even today, this tradition signifies the balance between knowledge and power, and the rightful use of strength for dharma.
Dussehra Mantras for Puja
Reciting mantras during puja enhances spiritual energy:
- Lord Ram Mantra:
Om Ramaya Namah - Goddess Durga Mantra:
Om Dum Durgayai Namah
Regional Celebrations of Dussehra
Dussehra is celebrated differently across India:
- North India – Grand Ram Leela performances and Ravana effigy burning (Ravan Dahan) attract huge crowds.
- West Bengal & East India – Marks the conclusion of Durga Puja with Visarjan of the Goddess.
- South India – Known as Dasara or Navaratri, it highlights processions, music, and dance.
- Maharashtra – People exchange Shami leaves as a symbol of gold and prosperity.
- Karnataka (Mysore Dasara) – A world-famous celebration featuring royal processions and cultural programs.
Modern Relevance of Dussehra
In today’s time, Dussehra teaches us to overcome negativity, ego, and greed while embracing positivity, discipline, and virtue. Many people also use this day to start new projects, purchase vehicles, or invest in property, as the day is considered highly auspicious.
Conclusion
Dussehra 2025 is not just a religious festival but a reminder of life’s eternal truth – evil may rise, but good always prevails. From weapon worship to Ravana Dahan, from cultural celebrations to spiritual rituals, the festival brings families and communities together.
By performing puja with devotion, respecting traditions, and embracing the festival’s spiritual lessons, Dussehra brings prosperity, protection, and positivity into our lives.
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