
This year Dussehra falls on 29th September 2017. The day is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Rama who defeated demon Ravana and rescued his wife Goddess Sita. Huge effigies of Ravana are burnt by the devotees on this day. This tradition symbolizes the victory of good over evil. With Dussehra or Vijayadashami, Navratri festival comes to an end. People across India celebrate the day with great zeal and enthusiasm. Plays from Ramayana showcasing the final moments of the battle are also performed by the artists in different parts of the country, as per India.com. One of the most famous plays is hosted in Delhi’s Ramlila ground. According to Bengali tradition, on the day of Vijayadashami, the idol Goddess Durga is immersed in the water bodies. Sindoor Khela is one of the most important rituals of Vijayadashami. Married Bengali women can be seen playing with sindoor or vermillion in the pandals on this day.
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2017: Date
The Dashami Tithi will begin from 11:49 pm on 29th September 2017 and it will end at 1:35 am on 1st October 2017.
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2017: Muhurat and Time
The Vijay muhurat will begin at 2:08 pm on 29th September 2017 and ends by 2:55 pm the same day. The Aparahna Puja starts at 1:21 pm on 29th September 2017 and it will last till 3:42 pm, as per (asthaoradhyatm.in)
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) 2017: Preparation
Here are the things needed to perform puja in Dussehra, as per festivalsofindia.in:
1. Image of Dussehra
2. Cow dung, chuna
3. Roli,moli, chawal, flowers
4. Jhuwara which is grown on Navratri day
5. Banana, mooli (radish), gwarphalli (flat cluster beans)
6. Jaggery,1-1/4 kg chawal, money for offering, kheer, puri
7. Bahikhata (account books)
Across India from Bengalis to Gujaratis each community celebrates this festival in their own way. People distribute sweets to their friends and families. They also take the blessings of their elders for good health and prosperity.