Dussehra, the festival which celebrates the victory of good over evil is celebrated on the 10th day of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashvin. This year, it falls on October 8. The word Dussehra is derived from Sanskrit Dasha-hara where ‘Dasha’ refers to Dashanan Ravana and ‘Hara’ (defeat) refers to Lord Rama’s victory over the ten-headed demon Ravana. It is also known as Vijayadashmi (Vijay means victory and Dashmi means tenth day). In the northern parts of India, giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghnad are burnt.
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Significance of Dussehra
Dussehra celebrates the victory of Rama over Ravana. Ravana had abducted Sita and took her to his kingdom i.e. Lanka. Then Rama, his brother Lakshmana, Lord Hanuman and an army fought with Ravan in order to rescue Sita. This day is also celebrated to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. He was a demon who wreaked havoc on people’s lives and under his leadership, the Asuras had managed to defeat the Devas. Then the Devas created his nemesis in the form of Durga and she fought with Mahishasura. After nine days of fighting, she killed him on the tenth day of Ashvin Shukla Paksha. Goddess Durga is also known as Mahishasuramardini (the slayer of Mahishasura).
Dussehra/Vijayadashmi - 25th October, 2020
Vijay Muhurat - 01:55 pm to 02:40 pm
Aparahna Puja Time - 01:11 pm to 03:24 pm
Dashami Tithi Begins - 07:41 am (25th October)
Dashami Tithi Ends- 08:59 pm (26th October)
Astroyogi.com wishes you a Happy Dussehra!