दशहरा
Dussehra
Vijayadashami, the victory of Rama over Ravana and of Durga over Mahishasura, with Ravana effigies burned at dusk.
About Dussehra
Dussehra falls on Ashwina Shukla Dashami, the day after Navratri ends. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, of Rama over Ravana in Lanka and of Durga over Mahishasura.
Ramlilas end with effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakaran burned at sunset. In Bengal, Durga idols are immersed. Shami puja and Aparajita puja are done in the Aparahna muhurat.
How to celebrate
Do Aparajita puja and Shami puja in the afternoon muhurat.
Exchange shami or apta leaves as gold with friends and elders.
Watch the Ravana Dahan at a Ramlila ground in the evening.
Start new learning, business or travel, as the day is considered fully auspicious.
Questions
When is Dussehra in 2027?
Dussehra 2027 is on Saturday, 9 October 2027. Shukla Dashami tithi begins at 9:02 AM on Saturday 9 October and ends at 11:41 AM on Sunday 10 October IST.
What is the Dussehra muhurat in 2027?
In New Delhi, the aparahna muhurat is from 1:18 PM to 3:38 PM IST. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
Why are shami leaves exchanged on Dussehra?
The Pandavas hid their weapons in a shami tree during exile and recovered them on Vijayadashami. The leaves are exchanged as gold for prosperity.
Is Dussehra a good day to start something new?
Yes. Vijayadashami is one of the three and a half most auspicious days of the year, good for any new beginning.
Around Dussehra
Coming up
- Saphala EkadashiSun 3 Jan
- LohriThu 14 Jan
- Makar SankrantiFri 15 Jan
- PongalFri 15 Jan
- Pausha Putrada EkadashiMon 18 Jan
- Shattila EkadashiTue 2 Feb
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