Vijayadashami 2024: Rituals, Significance, and Astrological Tips for Dussehra!
Vijayadashami 2024
Vijayadashami is a celebration of Shri Rama’s victory over the demon Ravana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It’s also called Dussehra or Dasara. In Nepal, this festival is celebrated as Dashain. As we grow up, we often hear the story of how Shri Rama defeated the powerful demon king Ravana. This time, we will explore the significance and history of this festival, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil, in more detail. First, let us tell you about the dates of Vijayadashami 2024.
Vijayadashami Muhurat
Vijayadashami on Saturday, October 12, 2024
Vijay Muhurat – 02:10 PM to 02:57 PM
Duration – 00 Hours 47 Mins
Dashami Tithi Begins – 10:58 AM on Oct 12, 2024
Dashami Tithi Ends – 09:08 AM on Oct 13, 2024
Shravana Nakshatra Begins – 05:25 AM on Oct 12, 2024
Shravana Nakshatra Ends – 04:27 AM on Oct 13, 2024
Rituals To Be Observed on Vijayadashami 2024
The celebrations of this grand festival differ from state to state. For instance, in the northern states, people honour Bhagwan Rama and burn statues of Ravana.
On the other hand, in the western parts of India, like West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar, the festival is celebrated as Durga Puja honour Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. However, the teaching of the Dasara festival remains the same: the victory of Dharma (good) over Adharma (evil).
In the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, people celebrate a ritual called Ayudha Puja during Dussehra. Here, the word “Ayudha” comes from Sanskrit and means “weapon.” Accordingly, people worship their tools and instruments as part of the festival. People believe this brings prosperity, abundance, and happiness into their lives.
Dussehra is also an excellent day to begin new projects, buy vehicles, or invest in assets. The energies on this day are favourable for achieving success in various endeavours.
This day also symbolises the removal of negative energies, making it a great time to cleanse your home. You can burn camphor in the house to clear negativity. Also, you should place rock salt or alum in glass containers in your washrooms.
In Hindu mythology, the leaves of Apta are no less than gold. This is why Apta tree leaves are ‘Sonpatta’. So, this astrological tip talks about donating apta tree leaves to your loved ones. This is done to open the doors of financial abundance and prosperity in your lives. Donating Apta leaves on the day of the Dussehra festival is a way of getting direct blessings from Bhagwan Kuber.
Astrological Significance of Vijayadashami
Astrologically, Dussehra occurs during Vijay Muhurta. That is considered auspicious because of favourable planetary positions. This time is believed to bring success in all endeavours and promote prosperity.
On Dussehra, one should worship the Shami tree, which is associated with the planet Saturn. Worshipping the Shami tree is thought to help overcome difficulties and achieve success. The rituals performed on Dussehra, such as Navami Havan and Shami Puja calm negative influences in one’s horoscope. Did you know that the ritual of worshipping the Shami tree on Dussehra goes back to the Mahabharata? The Pandavas kept their weapons under the Shami tree and prayed for victory over the Kauravas. If you worship the Shami tree and light an oil lamp on Dasara, especially during the Pradosh Kaal, it is believed that you may receive blessings of fortune and good luck. The Shami tree is one of Bhagwan Shani’s favourites, and he is known for helping resolve problems and protecting you from enemies.
During Dussehra, the Sun is in Libra (Tula Rashi), and the Moon is in Aries (Mesh Rashi). Vedic astrologers view this combination as very auspicious because it signifies a balance of energy and harmony between the Sun and Moon. The Sun represents masculine energy and the soul, while the Moon represents feminine energy and the mind. The merging of these two energies is believed to create equilibrium and harmony, making this time ideal for spiritual awakening and renewal during Dussehra or Vijayadashami.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What things should be avoided during Dussehra 2024?
A: One should avoid consuming non-vegetarian food during Dussehra.
Q: Is Vijayadashami and Dussehra the same?
A: Yes, Vijayadashami and Dussehra are the same festival. We call it Vijayadashami because Shri Rama defeated the king of Lanka, Ravana, on the 10th day of the Ashwin month.
Q: What is the date of Dussehra in 2024?
A: In 2024, the date for Dussehra is October 12.
Q: What is Dussehra celebrated for?
A: Dusshera marks the victory of good over evil as on this day Bhagwan Shri Rama defeated Ravana.
