As the festive season paints India in vibrant hues, Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, stands out as a powerful symbol of good triumphing over evil. Celebrated at the end of the Navratri festival, it marks the victory of divine forces and is observed with deep reverence and joy across the country. In 2025, Dussehra falls on Thursday, October 2.
Dussehra 2025 Timings
For those planning to perform rituals or simply observe the day spiritually, here are the key timings:
Vijayadashami Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Vijay Muhurat: 2:09 PM to 2:56 PM
Duration: 47 minutes
Aparahna Puja Time (for Bengal Vijayadashami): 1:21 PM to 3:44 PM
Duration: 2 hours 22 minutes
Dashami Tithi Begins: 7:01 PM on October 1, 2025
Dashami Tithi Ends: 7:10 PM on October 2, 2025
Shravana Nakshatra Begins: 9:13 AM on October 2, 2025
Shravana Nakshatra Ends: 9:34 AM on October 3, 2025
All timings are based on the local time of New Delhi, India, and follow traditional Panchang calculations.
The History Behind Dussehra
Dussehra carries dual significance in Hindu mythology. In North India, it commemorates Lord Rama's victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana, a tale from the epic Ramayana. This moment marks the triumph of truth, virtue, and dharma over arrogance and evil.
Meanwhile, in East India and other regions, Vijayadashami also marks the day Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura, representing the triumph of divine feminine power over destructive forces. It concludes the nine-day Navratri festival dedicated to different forms of the Goddess.
Why Dussehra Is Celebrated: The Significance
Dussehra is more than just a mythological remembrance. It signifies:
The victory of good over evil
The importance of moral and spiritual strength
A time to reflect, renew goals, and overcome personal negativities
In many communities, it is also considered an auspicious time to begin new ventures, buy new tools or vehicles, and seek blessings for success.
Rituals and Customs Observed on Vijayadashami
1. Shami Puja
Devotees worship the Shami tree, which holds mythological importance. It is believed that Arjuna hid his weapons in a Shami tree during his exile. Worshipping the tree is said to bring victory and prosperity.
2. Aparajita Puja (Aparajita Devi Worship)
Performed during the Aparahna time (post-noon), this ritual honors the Goddess in her victorious form. It’s especially practiced in regions that follow Shakta traditions.
3. Seema Avalanghan (Simollanghan)
This unique Maharashtrian ritual involves symbolically crossing the border of one’s village or locality, signifying the expansion of one’s boundaries—both physical and personal. People exchange leaves from the Shami tree as tokens of gold and goodwill.
Celebrations Across India
Dussehra is marked in diverse ways across the country:
Delhi and North India: Huge Ramleela performances culminate with the burning of Ravana’s effigies.
West Bengal & Eastern India: The last day of Durga Puja ends with Sindoor Khela and emotional farewells to the Goddess.
Mysuru, Karnataka: Dussehra is a royal affair, celebrated with parades, cultural performances, and the majestic procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari.
Maharashtra: Simollanghan and community feasts mark the day.
Nepal: Celebrated as Dashain, it is one of the most important Hindu festivals in the country.
How to Celebrate Dussehra at Home: 5 Simple Ideas
Even if you don't perform detailed rituals, you can still embrace the spirit of Dussehra. Here are five simple ways to celebrate:
Declutter and Clean: Dussehra is about removing negativity. A clean and organized home is the perfect physical manifestation of this idea.
Start Something New: The day is considered highly auspicious (shubh muhurat). It's the perfect time to start a new hobby, a business plan, or even a new fitness routine.
Worship Your Tools (Ayudha Puja): Take a moment to clean and appreciate the "tools" of your trade, whether it's your laptop, your car, your books, or your kitchen equipment.
Let Go of a Bad Habit: Symbolically "burn" a bad habit by writing it down on a piece of paper and safely discarding it. This is your personal victory over an inner 'Ravana'.
Share Sweets and Goodwill: The essence of any festival is community. Share traditional sweets like Jalebi-Fafda with friends, family, and neighbours
Dussehra 2025 offers a special moment to pause and reflect—not just on legendary victories, but also on the battles we fight every day within ourselves. Whether you’re performing rituals, watching a Ramleela, or simply spending time with loved ones, let this festival inspire you to let go of negativity and step into light, strength, and new beginnings.
Wishing you a joyful and meaningful Dussehra.