Vijayadashami is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, marking the victory of good over evil. It is also known as Dussehra. A large number of people celebrate this festival by worshipping the goddess Durga, staging dramatic reenactments of the battle, burning effigies of Ravana, and participating in other rituals. They seek blessings from the deity and wish for a prosperous year ahead. This festival brings people together, symbolizing new beginnings. Let’s discuss Vijayadashami in detail, including its story, rituals, and importance.
What is Vijayadashami?
As explained earlier, Vijayadashami is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. The word Vijayadashami comes from two Sanskrit words- Vijaya (victory) & Dashami (tenth day). So, it's a Hindu festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It comes on the 10th day of the Hindu month of Ashwin (in the September-October period), after Navratri. Various methodological stories associated with this festival
When is Vijayadashami 2025?
In 2025, Vijayadashami will occur on October 2, on the last day of Durga Puja.
Vijayadashami Story
It is associated with the story of Lord Rama and Ravana, two important characters in the ancient Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
As per the story, Ravana was an intelligent and powerful demon king. He ruled Lanka. Due to his ego, he challenged the authority of the gods, including Lord Shiva. To take revenge on Lakshmana, he kidnapped Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. This led to a fierce war between Rama and Ravana.
Remember, it is known as the battle between righteousness and evil. With the help of brother Lakshmana and the monkey army led by Hanuman, Rama fought Ravana’s forces. On the 10th day, Rama killed Ravana. This incident symbolized the restoration of righteousness & the defeat of evil.
As per the story, Ravana was an intelligent and powerful demon king. He ruled Lanka. Due to his ego, he challenged the authority of the gods, including Lord Shiva. To take revenge on Lakshmana, he kidnapped Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. This led to a fierce war between Rama and Ravana.
Remember, it is known as the battle between righteousness and evil. With the help of brother Lakshmana and the monkey army led by Hanuman, Rama fought Ravana’s forces. On the 10th day, Rama killed Ravana. This incident symbolized the restoration of righteousness & the defeat of evil.
This festival is also associated with the epic battle between the goddess Durga and the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Due to lord Brahma’s boon, neither any man nor god could kill Mahishasura. So, he started terrorising gods, drove them away from their heavenly homes, and controlled earth, heaven, and the underworld.
So, the gods created Goddess Durga in great desperation. She fought against Mahishasura and killed him on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami.
So, the gods created Goddess Durga in great desperation. She fought against Mahishasura and killed him on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami.
The Symbolism of Vijayadashami
Remember, Vijayadashami is not just about the tales of mythological wars. It has deep meanings that relate to individuals’ everyday lives-
The Victory of Good Over Evil
Both mythological stories manifest the main fact- the triumph of good over evil. It symbolizes the destruction of Ravana and Mahishasura, evil forces, and the restoration of peace.
Moral Lessons For People
These battles remind individuals to follow the path of righteousness and preserve their values, even during adverse times. Both Lord Rama and Goddess Durga remained committed to justice and ensured the victory of good over evil with their actions.
The Victory of Good Over Evil
Both mythological stories manifest the main fact- the triumph of good over evil. It symbolizes the destruction of Ravana and Mahishasura, evil forces, and the restoration of peace.
Moral Lessons For People
These battles remind individuals to follow the path of righteousness and preserve their values, even during adverse times. Both Lord Rama and Goddess Durga remained committed to justice and ensured the victory of good over evil with their actions.
Renewal & Purification
Vijayadashami symbolizes the end of the Navratri festival, the purification of people’s souls, and the beginning of new things. By participating in the festival, you eliminate negativity and cleanse yourself spiritually.
Vijayadashami symbolizes the end of the Navratri festival, the purification of people’s souls, and the beginning of new things. By participating in the festival, you eliminate negativity and cleanse yourself spiritually.
Rituals of Vijayadashami
There are many rituals related to this festival. Here are some of them.
Burning of Ravana’s Effigy
On Vijayadashami, the burning of Ravana’s effigy (popularly known as Ravana Dahan) is organized to symbolize the destruction of evil. Devotees construct large effigies of Ravana, fill them with firecrackers, and place them in public grounds. After this, fire is set to them. This ritual symbolizes the elimination of ignorance & evil tendencies. On this occasion, people purify themselves spiritually and move forward in life with clean intentions.
Durga Puja & Idol Immersion
On Vijayadashami, Durga Puja ends. So, devotees worship the goddess Durga and perform idol immersion. They gather around the statues, sing devotional songs, dance, and put them into rivers, ponds, and other water bodies. By doing so, they thank the deity for her blessings. This incident manifests her return to the mountains. It also symbolizes human life, where creation and destruction keep happening.
Burning of Ravana’s Effigy
On Vijayadashami, the burning of Ravana’s effigy (popularly known as Ravana Dahan) is organized to symbolize the destruction of evil. Devotees construct large effigies of Ravana, fill them with firecrackers, and place them in public grounds. After this, fire is set to them. This ritual symbolizes the elimination of ignorance & evil tendencies. On this occasion, people purify themselves spiritually and move forward in life with clean intentions.
Durga Puja & Idol Immersion
On Vijayadashami, Durga Puja ends. So, devotees worship the goddess Durga and perform idol immersion. They gather around the statues, sing devotional songs, dance, and put them into rivers, ponds, and other water bodies. By doing so, they thank the deity for her blessings. This incident manifests her return to the mountains. It also symbolizes human life, where creation and destruction keep happening.
Ramlila Performances
It is a theatrical representation of Lord Rama’s journey, displaying his virtues, strength, courage, and telling people stories from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. The symbolic destruction of Ravana is its final act. People perform the Ramayana characters and educate people about the different incidents through dramatic performances. It works as a reminder of the significance of devotion, truth, and righteousness, encouraging them to follow the right path in life.
It is a theatrical representation of Lord Rama’s journey, displaying his virtues, strength, courage, and telling people stories from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. The symbolic destruction of Ravana is its final act. People perform the Ramayana characters and educate people about the different incidents through dramatic performances. It works as a reminder of the significance of devotion, truth, and righteousness, encouraging them to follow the right path in life.
Worship of Tools
This is a unique ritual observed in different parts of the country. A large number of people worship their tools, weapons, and vehicles. By doing so, they express gratitude to their tools and skills that help them in daily life and professional work. They admit the divine presence in their everyday tasks and stick to righteousness.
This is a unique ritual observed in different parts of the country. A large number of people worship their tools, weapons, and vehicles. By doing so, they express gratitude to their tools and skills that help them in daily life and professional work. They admit the divine presence in their everyday tasks and stick to righteousness.
Worship of Young Girls
It is a ritual where devotees and priests worship young girls as a representation of the goddess Durga, offer prayers, and seek the deity’s blessings. It symbolizes the divine feminine energy and the purity associated with the goddess Durga.
It is a ritual where devotees and priests worship young girls as a representation of the goddess Durga, offer prayers, and seek the deity’s blessings. It symbolizes the divine feminine energy and the purity associated with the goddess Durga.
Navaratri Fasting and Pujas
On Vijayadashami, the nine-day fast and prayers of Navratri come to an end. Devotees break fast with special prayers, perform rituals, and exchange greetings with other individuals. All these activities help them purify their bodies and minds and celebrate victory over evil.
Dandiya and Garba Dance
These traditional dances are performed in circles to celebrate the victory of the goddess Durga over Mahishasura. They also symbolize devotion, joy, and unity. While dancing, dancers clap their hands, move in rhythm with devotional music, and tap colorful sticks together to celebrate life, spiritual devotion, and prosperity.
These traditional dances are performed in circles to celebrate the victory of the goddess Durga over Mahishasura. They also symbolize devotion, joy, and unity. While dancing, dancers clap their hands, move in rhythm with devotional music, and tap colorful sticks together to celebrate life, spiritual devotion, and prosperity.
Importance of Vijayadashami in Modern Times
In modern times, Vijayadashami serves as a ray of hope and inspiration to many people. It encourages them to get rid of personal struggles and crave for moral integrity in every life. It also highlights the fact that evil can appear in any form- greed, jealousy, hatred, etc. You must be aware of all these negative traits and eliminate them.
How To Celebrate Vijayadashami At Home?
To celebrate Dussehra at home, take the following steps-
- Clean your home thoroughly, especially the worship room. It will help create a festive environment.
- Make colorful rangoli designs at the home entrance.
- Decorate your home with fresh flowers, string lights, and oil lamps.
- Place the idols or paintings of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Hanuman in the worship room. You can get all these from Cottage9.
- Worship the god, and perform aarti and sing bhajans dedicated to these deities. It will help evoke their blessings.
- Prepare special meals. Share it with family, neighbors, and devotees.
- Exchange Vijayadashami wishes with everyone and seek blessings from god.
Conclusion
Vijayadashami 2025 is drawing closer to all of us. It marks the triumph of good over evil, the importance of community, and India’s cultural heritage. Just embrace the true spirit of Vijayadashami & participate in the festival with all your loved ones. It will help cleanse your mind and soul spiritually, seek blessings from the deity, and pray for a happy and prosperous life ahead. Happy Vijayadashami 2025 to all.
