Vijayadashami 2024: Date, Time, Significance and Puja Rituals

Vijayadashami, commonly known as Dussehra, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across India and among Hindu communities worldwide. This festival commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana and also marks Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura. It signifies the eternal victory of good over evil and is celebrated with great fervor, especially after the nine-day Navratri festival, which culminates in this grand occasion. The festival, falling on the tenth day of the month of Ashwin (September-October), holds immense cultural and religious importance.

Date and Timing of Vijayadashami 2024In 2024, Vijayadashami will be celebrated on Saturday, October 12. According to Drik Panchang, the timings for various rituals and events on this auspicious day are as follows:Dashami Tithi Begins: 10:58 AM on Saturday, October 12, 2024Dashami Tithi Ends: 9:08 AM on Sunday, October 13, 2024Shravana Nakshatra Begins: 5:25 AM on Saturday, October 12, 2024Shravana Nakshatra Ends: 4:27 AM on Sunday, October 13, 2024Vijay Muhurat: 2:03 PM to 2:49 PM on Saturday, October 12, 2024Aparahna Puja Time: 1:17 PM to 3:35 PM on Sunday, October 13, 2024 Significance of VijayadashamiVijayadashami embodies the triumph of righteousness, virtue, and justice. It is celebrated as a reminder of the importance of upholding Dharma (moral order) in the face of adharma (chaos). 1. Lord Rama’s Victory: The festival primarily commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, symbolizing the idea that good will always prevail over evil. The epic Ramayana narrates the story of Rama, who rescues his wife Sita from Ravana with the help of his allies, including Hanuman and his loyal army.2. Goddess Durga’s Triumph: Additionally, Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, representing the empowerment of women and the strength of feminine energy. This aspect of the festival highlights the protection of dharma and the destruction of evil forces.3. Cultural Integration: Vijayadashami serves as a cultural bridge, bringing together various regions of India with diverse customs and rituals while still honouring the central themes of victory and celebration. Puja Rituals on VijayadashamiThe rituals observed during Vijayadashami can vary by region, but certain core elements remain consistent across the country. The day is marked by various pujas, prayers, and cultural events. Here are the significant rituals typically observed:1. Idol Visarjan: In many regions, Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of Durga Puja. The idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water bodies, symbolizing her return to her heavenly abode after visiting her devotees.2. Ravana Dahan: In several parts of India, especially in the northern states, effigies of Ravana, along with his sons Meghnath and Kumbhkaran, are created and set ablaze in large public gatherings. This ritual symbolizes the eradication of evil and is accompanied by fireworks and celebrations.3. Ayudha Puja: Many communities perform Ayudha Puja, where tools, weapons, vehicles, and instruments are worshipped. This practice acknowledges the importance of skills and tools in one's work and life. People often clean their workplaces and offer prayers for success and prosperity.4. Navratri Conclusion: On the last day of Navratri, devotees may engage in prayers and rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga, thanking her for the blessings received during the nine days of worship. Special prayers and aarti are performed to seek her blessings for strength and wisdom.5. Celebratory Feasts: Vijayadashami is also a time for festive meals and sweets, where families and friends gather to celebrate together, sharing traditional dishes and sweets like ladoo and barfi.