Vijayadashami 2025
Vijayadashami, popularly known as Dussehra, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Hindu tradition. It is observed every year on the Dashami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. In 2025, confusion has surrounded the exact date of the festival, with some believing it may fall on October 1, while others expect it on October 2. According to the Hindu Panchang, Vijayadashami will be observed on Thursday, October 2, 2025, across India.
Significance of Vijayadashami
The festival of Vijayadashami is a grand celebration of the triumph of good over evil. As per Hindu mythology, this day marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the power of truth and righteousness. The tale of Rama’s victory is reenacted each year through Ramleela plays, which culminate in the burning of Ravana’s effigies. This dramatic display serves as a reminder that arrogance, ego, and evil, no matter how mighty, ultimately perish before dharma.
The festival is also deeply associated with Goddess Durga. According to the legends of Durga Puja, it was on this day that Goddess Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura after a fierce battle. Her victory highlights the strength of divine feminine energy and reinforces faith in the ultimate triumph of good over destructive forces. In Bengal and other eastern states of India, Vijayadashami is observed as the concluding day of Durga Puja, when devotees tearfully bid farewell to the goddess.
Rituals and Traditions
The ways in which Vijayadashami is celebrated vary across regions, yet the essence of the festival remains the same. In North India, cities come alive with the Ramleela, theatrical enactments of the Ramayana. Local artists perform scenes from Rama’s life, leading up to the much-awaited Ravana Dahan, where giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnath are set on fire amidst cheers, fireworks, and celebrations. Major cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Lucknow host Ramleela events that draw massive crowds.
In contrast, eastern India celebrates Vijayadashami as the emotional farewell of Goddess Durga. Known as Durga Visarjan, idols of the goddess are carried in processions accompanied by devotional chants, drums, and dancing before being immersed in rivers or lakes. Devotees bid goodbye to the goddess with the heartfelt hope of her return the following year. This ritual symbolizes both the cycle of life and the goddess’s eternal presence in the hearts of her devotees.
Puja Muhurat for Dussehra 2025
According to the Hindu Panchang, the auspicious timings for worship on Vijayadashami 2025 are:
-
Vijay Muhurat: 2:15 PM to 3:30 PM
-
Aparahna Puja Muhurat: 1:00 PM to 3:15 PM
These time periods are considered highly favorable for performing prayers, initiating new ventures, or seeking divine blessings. Devotees believe that worship during these hours ensures success, prosperity, and protection from negative forces.
Cultural and Social Importance
Vijayadashami is not only a religious celebration but also a vibrant cultural festival. Across India, fairs, processions, and community gatherings are organized, bringing people together in joy and unity. Families exchange greetings, sweets, and gifts as a gesture of goodwill.
Another important tradition associated with this day is Shastra Puja, or the worship of weapons and tools. This practice is rooted in the belief that honoring instruments of strength, knowledge, and livelihood on Vijayadashami ensures success in all endeavors. Warriors, farmers, and artisans alike perform this ritual as a way of expressing gratitude and seeking blessings for their professions.
Conclusion
In 2025, Vijayadashami will be observed on October 2, uniting millions of devotees across India in devotion, celebration, and cultural pride. Whether it is through the dramatic Ramleela and Ravana Dahan of North India or the soulful Durga Visarjan of the East, the festival delivers a timeless message—that truth and virtue always emerge victorious over falsehood and evil. Dussehra is not merely a festival but a reminder to uphold righteousness in daily life and to celebrate the eternal power of good.
