Dussehra 2023: Dussehra, one of the most well-known Hindu celebrations, commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the evil tyrant Ravana, who abducted Rama’s wife, Sita. This day, also known as Vijayadashami, is observed following the nine-day Navratri holiday.
The Sanskrit title for this holiday, Dussehra, means “ten (dasha) defeat (hara)” in English since it is believed that the demon King Ravana had ten heads.
Dussehra 2023 Date
This day falls on the tenth day of the Ashvina month in the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to the months of September and October in the Gregorian calendar. Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
History and Significance
Legend has it that after Ravana kidnapped Lord Rama’s wife, the two engaged in a bloody conflict. Lord Brahma bestowed the blessing of invincibility upon the demonic King Ravana. Rama eventually killed Ravana by sending an arrow through his belly button after a series of unfortunate incidents. As a result, every year, Dussehra is observed on the tenth day of the Ashvina month according to the Hindu calendar.
There is still another legend pertaining to this occasion. This day honours Arjuna’s triumph over the entire Kaurava Army, which was commemorated in the Mahabharata. Because Arjuna is also known as Vijaya, the day he defeated the army is celebrated as “Vijaya Dashami.”
This day is widely observed nationwide as a time to honour the triumph of good over evil. In the eastern portions of India, devotees mark this day as the conclusion of the Durga Puja, which starts with the Navratri festival.
Dussehra 2022: Date, time, significance, rituals and importance of this festival
India-wide Dussehra celebrations
In the northern regions of India, believers celebrate the triumph of good over evil by dressing in new garments and holding open celebrations. Dussehra is marked by holding a theatrical production of Rama’s life narrative, known as Ram Lila, to mark the end of the nine-day fast of Navratri. Then, in open areas around the country, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran, son Meghanada, and all three are burned.
In the Eastern part of India, where states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha are located, people mark this day as the conclusion of the Durga Puja festival by donning crimson saris and applying vermilion. Bengalis sing traditional songs during the emotional ritual of submerging Goddess Durga idols in bodies of water.
Best Locations in India to Celebrate Dussehra 2023
- Delhi
- India
- Uttar Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Bihar
- Mysuru
- Kullu
