Vijayadashami

Vijayadashami is a Hindu festival observed on the Dashami, or tenth lunar day, associated with the close of Navaratri. It is widely known as Dussehra or Dasara and is marked by worship, family gatherings, cultural performances, and public celebrations.

The festival has several regional expressions. In northern and central India it is closely associated with Rama and the Ramayana, while in parts of eastern and southern India it is linked with Durga's victory over Mahishasura and other local traditions.

• Navaratri — the wider festival period leading up to Vijayadashami.
• Dashami — the tenth lunar day on which Vijayadashami is observed.
• Vijaya Dashami — the concluding day of Durga Puja in Bengal and several eastern Indian traditions.
• Aparahna period — a traditional time associated with several Vijayadashami rituals.

Rama and Ravana — In the Ramayana tradition, the festival commemorates Rama's victory over Ravana and represents the restoration of justice and rightful order.

Durga and Mahishasura — In traditions connected with Durga Puja, Vijayadashami marks Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

Victory and renewal — The festival is also understood as a time for overcoming harmful tendencies, beginning anew, and reaffirming values such as courage, duty, and righteousness.

Vijayadashami draws on several Hindu narrative and ritual traditions, particularly stories from the Ramayana and traditions surrounding the worship of Durga. Its observance developed differently across regions, incorporating local deities, royal ceremonies, seasonal customs, and community performances.

Over time, public Ramlila performances, processions, fairs, temple rituals, and regional Dasara celebrations became important expressions of the festival. In places such as Mysuru, royal and civic traditions gave Vijayadashami a distinctive ceremonial character.

At home — Families may clean and decorate their homes, prepare festive foods, exchange greetings, and perform prayers or other household rituals.

Worship — Devotees may perform puja and observe rituals involving deities, sacred objects, weapons, vehicles, books, or tools, depending on regional custom.

In public — Communities may attend Ramlila performances, processions, fairs, temple events, cultural programmes, or the burning of Ravana effigies where that tradition is followed.

Celebrations generally build through the Navaratri period and reach a concluding observance on Dashami. Depending on the region, worship and ceremonial preparations are followed by processions, performances, community gatherings, or the immersion of Durga images.

In areas where the Ramayana tradition is central, Ramlila narratives reach the battle between Rama and Ravana, followed by Ravana Dahan, the symbolic burning of effigies. Other regions conclude with temple ceremonies, processions, or local Dasara customs.

North India — Ramlila performances and the burning of large effigies of Ravana, often accompanied by effigies of Meghnada and Kumbhakarna, are prominent in many communities.

West India — Gujarat and Maharashtra combine Vijayadashami with regional Navaratri customs, worship, family gatherings, and festive foods. In some communities, Shami leaves are exchanged as a symbol of goodwill and prosperity.

East India — In Bengal and neighbouring areas, Vijaya Dashami concludes Durga Puja and is associated with farewell rituals and immersion of Durga images.

South India — Karnataka's Mysuru Dasara features temple worship, decorated processions, cultural programmes, and ceremonies connected with Goddess Chamundeshwari.

Himachal Pradesh — Kullu Dussehra has its own distinctive traditions, with deities from surrounding communities gathering for a major religious and cultural celebration.

• Ramlila performances
• Ravana Dahan
• Vijayadashami puja
• Shami Puja
• Exchange of Shami leaves
• Durga idol immersion
• Dasara processions

Ravana effigy — Represents the defeat of Ravana in the Ramayana tradition and the overcoming of destructive forces.

Bow and arrow — Associated with Rama and his role as a symbol of duty, courage, and righteous action.

Durga — Represents divine strength and the victory over Mahishasura in traditions centred on the Goddess.

Shami leaves — Associated with auspiciousness, victory, and traditional Vijayadashami customs in several parts of India.

• Vijayadashami is also widely known as Dussehra or Dasara.
• The name Vijayadashami refers to the tenth day associated with victory.
• The festival is connected with both Rama's victory over Ravana and Durga's victory over Mahishasura, depending on regional tradition.
• In Bengal, Vijaya Dashami marks the concluding day of Durga Puja and is followed by the immersion of Durga images.
• Mysuru Dasara is known for its ceremonial procession, decorated elephants, cultural programmes, and celebrations around the Mysuru Palace.
• Kullu Dussehra follows distinctive local traditions and brings together deities from surrounding communities.