Dussehra 2024: The festival of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most sacred and auspicious festivals celebrated across India. It will be celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm on October 13, 2024.
Bengal Vijayadashami: Sunday, October 13, 2024
Vijay Muhurat: 02:02 PM to 02:49 PM
North Vijayadashami: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Bengal Vijayadashami Aparahna Time: 01:16 PM to 03:35 PM
Dashami Tithi Begins: 10:58 AM on Oct 12, 2024
Dashami Tithi Ends: 09:08 AM on Oct 13, 2024
Vijayadashami has dual significance in Hindu mythology. It is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama over the ten-headed demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness). The festival commemorates Lord Rama's rescue of his wife, Sita, from Ravana. In many parts of India, large effigies of Ravana, along with his brothers Meghnad and Kumbhakarna, are burned, followed by festive celebrations and theatrical performances of Ram Lila.
Additionally, Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga battled Mahishasura for nine days and defeated him on the tenth day, symbolizing the triumph of divine feminine power over evil forces.
Vijayadashami is observed differently in West Bengal compared to other parts of India. While most regions follow the festival’s muhurat (auspicious timing) based on a combination of Tithi (lunar day) and Nakshatra (stars), West Bengal strictly adheres to the presence of the Dashami Tithi, placing less importance on the muhurat. This often results in West Bengal celebrating Vijayadashami a day later than other regions.
