[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dussehra, or Vijaydashmi, is one of the major Hindu festivals that marks the end of Navratri and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and Nepal. Celebrating the victory of Lord Rama over the 10-headed demon-king, Ravana, Dussehra is a day that signifies the triumph of good over evil. Dussehra also marks the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
Dussehra 2022 in India
The word Dussehra is derived from the Sanskrit words ‘dasha’ (Ravana had ten heads) and ‘hara’ (Lord Rama defeats Ravana). Dussehra is also celebrated to usher in the auspicious festival of lights – Diwali and marks Lord Rama’s homecoming after he was exiled for 14 years.
Different regions in India have their own local take on the festival. In northern India (and some parts of the south). Dussehra is associated with the epic battle between Lord Rama and the Lanka king Ravana. As part of Dussehra celebrations, massive effigies of Ravana are burnt along with that of his brothers Kumbakaran and Meghanada in the northern and southern parts of the country. The celebrations of Durga Puja in the eastern and western regions of India also coincide with Dussehra. The day of Vijaydashmi marks Goddess Durga’s return to the heavens.
Vijayadashami is the last day of the 10-day Dussehra festival and the day after the nine-day Navratri festival. The murtis of Goddess Durga are immersed on the day. Dussehra 2022 date is October 4/October 5. Vijayadashami 2022 is observed as Vidyarambham in Kerala (October 5) and it marks the end of Mysore Dasara. Please note that Durga Puja immersion is marked on October 5, 2022 in Bengal. Saraswati Puja comes to an end in many regions with Saraswati Balidan Puja on the day. Dasara Puja holidays are observed during the period starting from Mahalaya Pitru Paksha Amavasya (September 25).
Dussehra 2022 date and time in India
The festival of Dussehra will be celebrated on 5 October 2022.
Dussehra puja timings and tithi are as follows:
-Dashami Tithi begins at 2:20 pm on 4 October 2022.
-Dashami Tithi ends at 12 pm on 5 October 2022.
-Shravan Nakshatra begins at 10:51 pm on 4 October 2022.
-Shravan Nakshatra ends at 9:15 pm on 5 October 2022.
-Vijay Muhurta from 02:13 pm to 2:54 pm on 5 October 2022.
-Amrit Kaal from 11:33 am to 01:02 pm on 5 October 2022.
-Dur muhurta from 11:51 am to 12:38 am on 5 October, 2022.
Symbolism in Vijaya Dashami and Dussehra
Symbolically, Vijaya Dashami and Dussehra are the victory of Good over Evil – Goddess Durga annihilating Demon Mahisha and Lord Ram defeating Ravana.
Symbolically, these wars are the prolonged struggle against the ego and ignorance in each human being. After the struggle there is the day of new beginning – Vijayadasami.
Dussehra 2022 Dates & Timings:
According to the Hindu calendar, the date for Dussehra 2022, the 10th day of Navaratri, is October 5, 2022 (Wednesday). The Dashami Tithi for Dussehra 2022 will start on October 4, 2022 (Tuesday) at 2:20 pm and will continue till 12 pm on October 5, 2022.
Meaning Of Dussehra:
Dussehra is a Sanskrit word deriving from the two words- ‘Dasha’ and ‘Hara’. The word ‘Dahsa’ means ten (in context, the ten heads of Ravana) and the word ‘Hara’ means defeat. The festival of Dussehra symbolises the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama which means the victory of good over evil.
History & Significance Of Dussehra:
Dussehra is celebrated not only across India but also in nearby states of Nepal and Bangladesh, with slight variations in transitions and rituals but the same level of enthusiasm.
Background of the Festival of Dussehra
The story behind Dussehra comes from Ramayana, where Lord Rama defeated the demon Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife, Sita. After engaging in a battle for nine days, Lord Rama finally defeated this demon and rescued his wife.
Dussehra symbolises the triumph of virtue over vice and restoration of peace after anarchy. Dussehra in Sanskrit combines two words- ‘dus’ meaning evil and ‘hara’ meaning destruction. It represents the removal of evil from this world and ushering in a new age of righteousness.
How Are Dussehra Holidays Celebrated in Different Parts of India?
In East and North East India, people celebrate this festival as Vijay Dashami. On the tenth day of Durga Puja, devotees immerse clay idols of Maa Durga, Goddess Lakhsmi, Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya in bodies of water. They bid adieu to Goddess Durga with a heavy heart and anticipation of meeting again next year.
In most states of North and Western India, people celebrate Dussehra in honour of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. People make towering effigies of the ten-headed demon king along with his brothers Kumbhakaran and Meghanad and burn them down with fireworks.
Another highlight of Dussehra is the theatrical performances of Ramlila, based on Ramacharitmanas, an epic poem by Tulsidas. You can find these musical plays in holy cities like Varanasi every single evening for an entire month.
In places of South India, this festival is celebrated in honour of Maa Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and arts. People clean and worship their work-related tools and instruments and seek her blessings. Dussehra also holds importance for agriculture in places like Maharashtra as it signals a shift in the harvest season.
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