Dussehra 2023 Date: The nine-day holiday of Navratri ends with the celebration of Dussehra or Vijayadashami. Dussehra, one of the most well-known Hindu celebrations, commemorates Lord Ram’s victory over the evil tyrant Ravan, who kidnapped Ram’s wife, Sita. Due to the fact that King Ravan had 10 heads, this festival has been named Dussehra. The Sanskrit word dussehra is translated as “ten (dasha) defeat (hara)” in English.
The Hindu calendar places this day on the tenth day of the month of Ashvina, which corresponds to the Gregorian calendar months of September and October.
Learn all about Dussehra 2023 Date, muhurat, meaning, history, how to celebrate, dussehra wishes, customs, cultures, prayers, other associated festivals, and where to observe it.
Dussehra 2023 Date
On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, India will celebrate the beautiful Dussehra festival. This day also marks the start of Diwali preparations, which will take place in 2023 following 20 days of Dussehra.
Dussehra 2023 Time, Muhurat
| Events | Date | Start Time | End Time |
| Dashami Tithi Begins | 23 October 2023, Monday | 05:44 PM | |
| Dashami Tithi Ends | 24 October 2023, Tuesday | 12:00 PM | |
| Vijay Muhurata | 24 October 2023, Tuesday | 02:18 PM | 03:05 PM |
| Aparahna Pooja Time | 24 October 2023, Tuesday | 01:32 PM | 03:51 PM |
Dussehra or Vijayadashami History and Importance
Accroding to the scriptures, Ravan and Lord Ram fought deadly battle after Ravan kidnapped Lord Ram’s wife. The demon King Ravana was blessed by Lord Brahma with invincibility. Eventually, following a string of tragic events, Rama killed Ravana by shooting an arrow through his belly button. Thus, according to the Hindu calendar, Dussehra is celebrated annually on the tenth day of the Ashvina month.
Regarding this Dussehra or Vijayadashami festival, there is a story of another legend. This day celebrates Arjuna’s victory over the whole Kaurava Army, as told in the Mahabharata. The day Arjuna beat the army is commemorated as “Vijayadashami” since he is also known by the name Vijaya.
This national holiday is widely observed to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Devotees in eastern India observe this day as the end of the Durga Puja, which begins with the Navratri celebration.
Why do we celebrate Dussehra ?
The Dussehra festival commemorates Lord Ram’s triumph against Ravan. It also commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demonic Mahishasura. Moreover, on this day, Arjuna destroyed the entire Kaurava Army by himself. This holiday honors the triumph of good over evil.
How do people celebrate Dussehra festival in India ? (Puja Vidhi)
People perform Dussehra rituals at home and in temples while wishing one another a “Happy Dussehra.” There are numerous venues that serve as the stage for Ramleela performances. People take pleasure in the enjoyable fairs with their tasty food, exciting rides, and effigies of Ravan, Meghnada, and Kumbhkarana, Ravana’s brother, that are set ablaze.
Dussehra 2023 Tradition, Rituals, and Culture
Dussehra is marked by a variety of customs and rituals that are observed across the nation’s many ethnic groups.
- Ramlila performances: Ramlila, also known as Ramleela, is a dramatic presentation that uses dance, plays, and acts to tell the tale of Lord Ram.
- Burning of the Statue of Ravan: On the evening of Dussehra, people assemble to burn the statue of Raavan. It represents the triumph of good over evil.
- Worshiping the Goddess Durga: The festival of Durga Puja, which honors the goddess Durga and commemorates her victory over the monster Mahishasura, is extensively observed in India. It involves several rituals and practices.
Dussehra 2023 Wishes (Vijayadashami Wishes)
- Sending our warm wishes for a Happy Dussehra! May this festival bring you good fortune and success.
- May the divine blessings of Goddess Durga help you achieve success in your career… Happy Vijayadashami.
- Blessing of Dussehra to you and your loved ones. Let’s celebrate this auspicious day.
- May this Dussehra burn all your worries with the burning of Ravan.
- Wishing you and your family a beautiful festival – Dussehra.
- On this Dussehra, let’s burn all negativity and start afresh with a positive way. Happy Dussehra 2023!
- May the blessings of Maa Durga empower you with strength, courage, and wisdom. Have a victorious and blissful Dussehra 2023!
Dussehra 2023 Celebrations in India
In northern India, followers celebrate the triumph of good over evil by dressing in new garments and holding public events on the day of Dussehra. Marked by the staging of a dramatic rendition of Ram’s life tale, known as Ram Lila, Dussehra is celebrated as the end of the nine-day Navratri fast. The effigies of Ravan, his brother Kumbhakaran, and his son Meghanada are then burned in open areas around the country.
This day marks the conclusion of Durga Puja, which is celebrated by donning a red saree and putting on vermilion by prople who live in West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha in Eastern India. The idols of Goddess Durga are submerged in water, and Bengalis chant folk songs in observance of this sentimental occasion.