We are in the midst of the festive season, and Indians across the country are busy celebrating one of the major festivals-Navratri. This festival coincides with the date of the Bengali festival Durga Puja. The day after Navratri is known as Dussehra (The Bengali community term this day as Vijayadashami).
In North India, this festival is celebrated with great pomp. It is marked by a grand celebration of Ramlila. A huge crowd assembles to cheer as Ravana's effigies are set on fire. Dussehra is considered auspicious in Hindu culture, as it represents the victory of good over evil. The burning of the effigies symbolises Lord Rama’s triumph over his adversary Ravana. Often life-size effigies of Meghnad and Kumbhakaran are also ignited.
For Bengalis however, Vijayadashami is a bittersweet occasion as it is the day they bid farewell to Maa Durga. The idol is taken away from the pandal (considered to be the earthly abode of Maa Durga) and immersed in the water of the Holy Ganges. Devotees shout, ‘ Asche bochor abar hobe’.(Durga Puja will return in the next year). Read on below to know about the date, time, and significance of this festival.
Dussehra Date
The festival is observed on Shukla Paksha Dashmi during the month of Ashwin and a day after Maha Navami. This year Dussehra will take place on October 5, 2022.
Dussehra Significance
In some parts of India, Dussehra is celebrated to commemorate Maa Durga’s victory over the shape-shifting demon king Mahishasura. In other parts of India, Dussehra is celebrated in honour of Lord Ram’s crushing defeat of Ravana the king of Lanka.
Dussehra eventually makes way for Diwali. Fondly described as the ‘Festival of Lights', Diwali signifies Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. It is celebrated 21 days after Dussehra.
Dussehra Puja Muhurat
The puja muhurat falls on October 5 from 2:07 pm- 2:54 pm according to the Drikpanchang (Hindu lunar calendar). The Durga Visarjan muhurat commences from 6:16 am and ends at 8:37 am.
