Vijayadashami 2024: Know Dussehra 2024 Date, Rituals, And Celebration

Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, is a vibrant festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil, marking Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana. Additionally, it honours Goddess Durga’s conquest of the buffalo demon Mahishasur, signifying the Navaratri festival's conclusion. In fact, according to the Hindu calendar, it is typically observed annually on the tenth day of Ashwin or Kartik, holding deep cultural significance.

The spirit of Dussehra resonates far and wide, with celebrations taking place not just in India, but also in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. On this special day, communities come alive with joy and enthusiasm, representing the message of righteousness prevailing over negativity. So, let’s unite and celebrate the light of goodness, fostering happiness, prosperity, and peace in every corner of our lives.

Dussehra 2024: Significance and History

There is no denying the fact that people across the country celebrate Vijayadashami or Dussehra, accepting their version of belief. From North to South, you will get different meanings. But all stories meet one point, i.e., it is the victory of good over evil.

According to folklore, during the Ram exile, Ravana abducted the Sita which led to a deadly war between them. Demonic King Ravana was given the boon of being indestructible by Lord Brahma. After several events, Rama managed to kill Ravana by shooting an arrow through his belly button. Therefore, the 10th day of Ashvina month of the Hindu calendar is celebrated as Dussehra every year.

There’s one more legend behind this festival. According to Mahabharat, this day commemorates the victory of Arjuna, who single-handedly defeated the entire Kaurava Army. Arjuna, AKA Vijaya and hence, the day he destroyed the army is referred to as the ‘Vijaya Dashami’.

Many people throughout the country celebrate the day as an occasion to honour the victory of good over evil. In Dussehra, devotees in the parts of India observe this day as the end of Durga Puja (Navaratri festival conclusion).

Legends of the Festival

• There are two famous legends of Dussehra: Lord Rama defeated Ravana and Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura.
• Ravana, king of Lanka, is thought to have been defeated on this day by Lord Ram. On the tenth day of intense combat, Lord Ram succeeded in killing Ravana.
• Goddess Durga is said to have killed the monster Mahishasura on this day marking the victory of good over evil.

How to Celebrate Dussehra 2024: Traditional Rituals for Dussehra

The auspicious day, Vijayadashami or Dussehra, is celebrated differently across our country and globe.

For instance, in India, people celebrate this holiday enthusiastically, performing pooja at home and in temples, and greeting one another with Happy Dussehra wishes. In fact, in some places, people join in public processions and Ram Leela. The Ravan Dahan custom is very well-known and extended over other cities.

Furthermore, in Nepal, Dussehra is celebrated as Dashain, a 15-day-long festival filled with various rituals and traditions. People in Nepal also exchange blessings and gifts during this time to strengthen their bonds with elders and youngsters by doing Tika Puja.

In Thailand, the day is followed by a colourful and vibrant procession on the streets and dance forms of various types being performed on the streets. Ardent devotees of Lord Ram are seen carrying a palanquin that bears the status of Lord Ram.

In fact, the Vijayadashami celebration 2024 will be observed in the same manner as before.

Here are some rituals of Dussehra for your quick check:

• Ramleela or Ramlila performances
• Ravan Dahan
• Durga Aaradhana
• Worship weapons

Dussehra Puja Muhurat 2024 and Festival Timing

Dussehra Wishes 2024

Here are some Dussehra messages and greetings for 2024:

• Wishing you strength, courage and wisdom on Dushreaa. May you overcome all challenges.
  
• Warm greetings on Dussehra! May this victory of good over evil bring happiness and prosperity to your life.
• Wishing you and your family a happy and prosperous Dussehra.
• To my loving friends and family, warm greetings on Dussehra. May this festival bring joy and happiness to your life.
• Happy Dussehra! May good prevail over evil.
• Shubh Dashain! Wishing you happiness and success.
• Shubh Dussehra to everyone! May the triumph of good over evil guide us towards a brighter future.

Thus, in observance of Lord Rama and Ravana Dussehra's story of how bad things are devoured, huge effigies are burned. It is Vijaydashmi’s unshakeable pledge that good will always prevail over evil.