Dussehra 2024: Start & End Dates, School Holidays, Wishes, and How to Celebrate

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most revered festivals in India, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It marks the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, involving cultural activities like Ram Lila performances and the burning of effigies. Dussehra in 2024 will be observed on Saturday, October 12.

This blog will guide you through the key dates, school holidays, how to celebrate Dussehra 2024, and much more.

Dussehra 2024 Key Dates and Times

Dussehra 2024 brings with it specific auspicious timings that devotees may wish to observe for performing rituals and celebrating. Here are the important times to note for Dussehra 2024:

• Dashami Tithi Begins: October 12, 2024, at 10:58 AM
• Vijaya Muhurat: October 12, 2024, from 02:03 PM to 02:49 PM
• Dashami Tithi Ends: October 13, 2024, at 09:08 AM

These timings are considered sacred for celebrating and performing rituals during the festival. The Vijaya Muhurat, in particular, is the most auspicious period to mark the victory of good over evil. For those planning to participate in cultural activities or perform puja, keeping track of these times ensures that you are celebrating at the most propitious moments.

Dussehra 2024 Start Date and End Date

As mentioned, Dussehra will be celebrated on October 12, 2024, marking the end of the nine-day Navratri festival, which begins on October 3, 2024. Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, and Dussehra marks her victory over Mahishasura. It also celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, which is symbolized by the burning of effigies in many parts of India.

This day of celebration is a powerful reminder of the age-old truth that goodness always prevails over evil.

School Holidays During Dussehra 2024

Schools across India usually declare holidays for Dussehra, allowing students and families to celebrate together. In 2024, many schools are expected to observe holidays from October 11 to October 13, enabling students to participate in festivities, visit temples, watch Ram Lila performances, and spend quality time with family.

Dussehra 2024 Wishes

Sharing heartfelt wishes during Dussehra is a wonderful way to spread joy and positivity. Here are some Dussehra 2024 wishes that you can send to your loved ones:

• “Wishing you a joyous Dussehra! May the triumph of good over evil inspire you to achieve greatness in life.”
• “Happy Dussehra! May Lord Rama and Goddess Durga bless you with strength, courage, and prosperity.”
• “On this auspicious occasion of Dussehra, may all your worries fade away and your life be filled with happiness and success.”

These wishes reflect the core values of the festival—positivity, courage, and the victory of righteousness over wrongdoing.

Why Do We Celebrate Dussehra?

Dussehra is celebrated for two major mythological reasons:

1. Victory of Lord Rama: Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana is one of the main reasons for Dussehra celebrations. Ravana, the demon king, had abducted Lord Rama’s wife, Sita, leading to a fierce battle. Rama’s victory over Ravana signifies the defeat of evil and the restoration of righteousness.
2. Victory of Goddess Durga: Another significant aspect of Dussehra is the celebration of Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This victory represents the triumph of divine power over evil forces, reminding us of the importance of standing up against wrongdoing.

These stories symbolize the core theme of Dussehra—the eternal victory of good over evil.

How to Celebrate Dussehra

Dussehra is celebrated with a variety of rituals and activities that reflect the essence of the festival. Here are some of the common ways to celebrate Dussehra 2024:

1. Ravana Effigy Burning

The burning of effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkaran, and his son Meghanada is one of the most iconic traditions of Dussehra. This ritual symbolizes the destruction of evil and is followed by fireworks, which light up the night sky and create a festive atmosphere.

2. Ram Lila Performances

The Ram Lila, a dramatic reenactment of the life of Lord Rama, is performed in many parts of India. These performances tell the story of Lord Rama’s life and his eventual victory over Ravana. Large crowds gather to watch these plays, which culminate with the burning of Ravana’s effigy.

3. Visiting Temples

Many devotees visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings from deities. Special pujas and rituals are performed in temples, honoring Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. These visits are a time for spiritual reflection and thanksgiving.

4. Feasting and Sweets

Food plays a central role in Dussehra celebrations. Families prepare traditional dishes like jalebi, laddoo, and kheer and share them with friends and family. These festive meals strengthen family bonds and bring joy to the celebration.

5. Exchanging Gifts

Gift-giving is another popular Dussehra tradition. People exchange gifts as a token of good wishes and blessings. Popular gifts include sweets, decor items, and religious artifacts symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.

Conclusion

Dussehra 2024 is a festival that not only celebrates the victory of good over evil but also encourages the values of truth, righteousness, and courage. As you prepare for this year’s Dussehra, keep in mind the importance of these timeless principles.

Whether you’re watching the burning of Ravana’s effigy, attending a Ram Lila performance, or simply sending Dussehra 2024 wishes to your friends and family, let the spirit of the festival inspire you to live a life of integrity and positivity.

Summing it up, Dussehra 2024 is not just a celebration but a reminder of the moral values that guide us toward a life of virtue.

Also Read:- Diwali 2024: Dates, Puja Times, 5-Day Festival Guide & Countdown (Oct 31 or Nov 1?)