October usually begins with excitement on everyone’s face since it marks the beginning of many festivals. The month starts with the celebration of Navaratri, followed by grand celebrations of the Dussehra festival.
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is celebrated differently in different parts of India. In the northern and western parts of India, people celebrate Dussehra to mark the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. On the other hand, people living in the eastern and southern parts of India celebrate this day as the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura.
The name of the festival, Dussehra, is derived from the Sanskrit words dasha (“ten”) and hara (“defeat”). For many Indians, Dussehra marks the beginning of the preparation for one of the most important festivals, Diwali, which falls 20 days after Dussehra Day.
Dussehra 2024 Date and Time
In 2024, Dussehra falls on Saturday, October 12th. Dashmi tithi starts at 10:58 AM on October 12, 2024 (Saturday) and ends at 09:08 AM on October 13, 2024 (Sunday).
The nine auspicious days of Navaratri 2024 are on:
| Day 1 | 3rd October 2024 | Goddess Shailputri |
| Day 2 | 4th October 2024 | Goddess Brahmacharini |
| Day 3 | 5th October 2024 | Goddess Chandraghanta |
| Day 4 | 6th October 2024 | Goddess Kushmanda |
| Day 5 | 7th October 2024 | Goddess Skandmata |
| Day 6 | 8th October 2024 | Goddess Katyayani |
| Day 7 | 9th October 2024 | Goddess Kaalratri |
| Day 8 | 10th October 2024 | Goddess Mahagauri |
| Day 9 | 11th October 2024 | Goddess Siddhidatri |
| Day 10 | 12th October 2024 | Dussehra |
Also Read: Best Diwali Gift Ideas For Your Employees
Dussehra 2024 Celebrations
Dussehra is celebrated with great pomp and shows across several parts of India. People worship Maa Shailaputri on the first day of Navaratri, followed by worshipping Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Skandmata and the other avatars of Goddess Durga on respective days.
People organise different skits, dance performances, and dramas related to Ramayana. These skits showcase how Ravana kidnapped Maa Sita and Lord Rama, fighting Ravana and rescuing Maa Sita.
Facts About The Festival
- Ravana has ten heads and twenty arms. His ten heads, as per the mythology, represent ten bad qualities of a person: Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Moha (delusion), Chitta (will), Lobha (greed), Manas (mind), Mada (pride), Buddhi (intellect), Maatsyasya (envy) and Ahamkara (the ego).
- It is believed that this festival has been celebrated since the 17th century after the King of Mysore ordered the state to celebrate and enjoy Dussehra in full glory.
- Apart from India, countries like Nepal and Bangladesh celebrate Dusshera.
- It is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga arrives with her children Ganesh and Kartikey and returns to Lord Shiva.
What to Eat on Dussehra
There are some delicious food items that you can eat during the festival as they bring good luck. Some of the dishes are:
- Rasgulla: It is widely popular in West Bengal
- Paan: People in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar believe eating paan is quite lucky
- Sweet Dosa: It is offered as Prasadam on Dussehra and Saraswati Puja.
- Curd: It has been considered a lucky food item for decades and is offered to Maa Durga on Dussehra.
Do’s & Don’ts During Dussehra
Every festival has its own do’s and don’ts, and here are some of them that you should follow during Dussehra:
Things To Do During Dusshera
- Perform Puja & Hawan
- Do some donations and charity
- Take a pledge to walk on the path of truthfulness
- Chant Mantras
- Read Ramcharitmanas
Things Not To Do During Dusshera
- Never speak ill about others
- Don’t eat Tamasik food
- Don’t consume alcohol
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why do we celebrate Dussehra?
People celebrate Dusshera to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
2. What should we eat on Dussehra?
Many dishes bring good luck to your home. They are:
- Paan
- Rasgulla
- Curd
- Sweet Dosa
- Jalebi & Fafda
3. When is the first Navratra in 2024?
The first Shardiya Navratri is on 3rd October 2024. Vijaydashmi is on 12th October 2024.
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