Navratri 2023 Start Date: Date, Muhurtam, Significance and Rituals of Festival
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. It represents the victory of good over evil, the victory of truth over falsehood. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashwin, usually in September or October.
In 2023, Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24. The festival begins with Navratri, a nine-day worship and festival dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Navratri 2023 begins on Sunday, October 15 and ends on Monday, October 23.
The auspicious time (muhurtam) for Dussehra puja and rituals are as follows:
Vijay Muhurtam: 02:05 PM to 02:53 PM
Dashami Tithi Starts: October 23, 2023 at 05:44 PM
Dashami Tithi Ends: October 24, 2023 at 03:14 PM
| Date | Avatar | Colour |
|---|---|---|
| October 15th | Shailaputri | Orange |
| October 16th | Brahmacharini | White |
| October 17th | Chandraghanta | Red |
| October 18th | Kushmanda | Royal Blue |
| October 19th | Skandamata | Yellow |
| October 20th | Katyayani | Green |
| October 21st | Kalaratri | Grey |
| October 22nd | Mahagauri | Sky Blue |
| October 23rd | Siddhidatri | Pink |
Significance and Rituals of Dussehra:
The importance and customs of Dussehra vary in different regions and communities of India. Here are some common ways people celebrate this festival:
Performing Ramlila:
Ramleela is a dramatization of the epic Ramayana, which tells the story of Rama’s battle with the demon king Ravana, who abducted his wife Sita. Ramlilas are performed in many parts of India during the nine nights of Navratri, culminating on Dussehra with the burning of huge effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghnadu. It signifies the destruction of evil and the restoration of righteousness (dharma).
Burning Effigies Of Ravana:
In some regions, especially in North India, people also burn effigies of Ravana on Dussehra to express their anger and resentment towards him. They also celebrate Rama’s return to his kingdom of Ayodhya after defeating Ravana and rescuing Sita. People light up their houses with lamps and candles and exchange sweets and gifts with their friends and relatives.
Worshiping Weapons:
In some regions, especially in South India, people worship their weapons and tools on Dussehra, which shows gratitude and respect to Goddess Durga. strength They also seek her blessings for success and protection in their endeavours. People also display their martial arts skills and dance with swords and spears.
Praying And Donating:
On Dussehra, people also offer prayers to Goddess Durga and Lord Rama and seek their blessings for happiness and prosperity. They donate to the poor and needy and also do charitable and service work. They visit temples and participate in religious ceremonies and processions.
Dussehra is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and the victory of truth over falsehood. To remember the values and virtues exemplified by Lord Rama and Mother Durga and their footsteps in our own lives.
