Dussehra 2024: Is Vijayadashmi on October 12 or 13? Know correct date, Dashami tithi, shubh muhurat, significance

Dussehra 2024: Find out the correct date, Dashami tithi, shubh muhurat, and significance of the auspicious festival of Vijayadashmi.

Updated on: Oct 12, 2024, 10:40:20 IST

By Krishna Priya Pallavi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Dussehra 2024: The auspicious festival of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, is marked annually across the country. It commemorates the victory of good over evil - Maa Durga's victory over Mahishasura and Lord Rama defeating Ravana. Dussehra also marks the end of Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations. This year, there is some confusion around Dussehra's correct date. Know details here.

Dussehra 2024: Effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbkaran being put up by Shree Dharmik Ramleela Committee ,for burning on the eve of Dussehra festival. (Hindustan Times)

(Also Read: Happy Dussehra 2024: Best 30+ wishes, images, Facebook and WhatsApp status to share on Vijayadashami)

Dussehra 2024: When is Vijayadashmi?

This year, the Dashami tithi will last for two dates. Therefore, there is a confusion whether Dussehra is on October 12 or 13. According to Drik Panchang, Vijayadashmi will be celebrated on Saturday, October 12.

Dussehra 2024: Dashami tithi and shubh muhurat

As per the panchang, here are the important tithis to keep in mind:

Vijay muhurat - 2:03 pm to 2:49 pm

Aparahna puja time - 1:17 pm to 3:35 pm

Dashami tithi begins - 10:58 am on October 12

Dashami tithi ends - 9:08 am on October 13

Shravana nakshatra begins - 5:25 am on October 12

Shravana nakshatra ends - 4:27 am on October 13

Dussehra 2024: Significance of Vijayadashmi

Dussehra, or Vijayadashmi, is celebrated as the victory of Lord Rama over Demon Ravana and Goddess Durga's triumph over the buffalo Demon Mahishasura. The festival is followed by the most auspicious Festival of Lights, Diwali.

Dussehra celebrations. (Harsimar Pal Singh/HT)

Dussehra holds much significance in Hindu culture. It reinforces the universal message that no matter how powerful evil may seem, righteousness always prevails in the end.

As per mythology, Ravana, the king of Lanka, had abducted Sita, Lord Rama's wife, while they were completing their 14-year-long exile. Lord Rama, accompanied by Lakshmana, Hanuman, and Vanar Sena, rescued Maa Sita. They fought a fierce battle, and on the tenth day, Rama finally defeated Ravana, symbolising the victory of good over evil. In most parts of the country, Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnath effigies are burnt to mark the celebrations.

Maa Durga's victory over Mahishasura is also commemorated during Viajayadashmi. In Bengal, Vijayadashmi is marked with Sindoor Khela and Dhunuchi dance. Additionally, the immersion of Durga idols (Durga Visarjan) takes place with vibrant processions, marking the goddess’s return to her heavenly abode.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Krishna Pallavi Priya
Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News, Merry Christmas 2025 on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.