Dussehra 2023

Dussehra, also known as Vijay Dashmi, is a cherished Hindu festival that commemorates the victorious triumph of Lord Rama over the ten-headed demon king, Ravana. This significant celebration takes place on the tenth day of the month of Ashvina, as per the Hindu Panchang. In 2023, we will celebrate Rama’s victory on the 24th of October with even greater zeal and enthusiasm, and PanditJiOnCall is here to guide you through the essence of this auspicious occasion.

Dussehra 2023 : A Festival of Victory

The name “Dussehra” is derived from two Sanskrit words – “dasha,” meaning ten, and “hara,” signifying defeat. It’s a day dedicated to commemorating the defeat of Ravana in his battle against Lord Rama, the revered king of Ayodhya. Occurring during the seventh month of Ashvina, this festival coincides with the full moon, adding to its radiance. Moreover, Dussehra initiates the preparations for the grandest Hindu festival, Diwali, which takes place 20 days later.

PanditJiOnCall’s Guidance for Dussehra 2023 Puja

The festivities of Dussehra commence with great enthusiasm, as children craft statues of Ravana while adults prepare for the evening puja. Below, we outline the traditional puja vidhi for Dussehra:

1. Create an image of Ravana on the floor using chuna (lime powder).
2. Place ten cow dung cakes around the Ravana image.
3. Offer a plate filled with flowers, fruits, sweets, roli, jowar, and rice to the Ravana image.
4. Perform the puja of the cow dung cakes using Ganga jal, jowar grown during Navratri, roli, chawal, and moli.
5. Light an incense stick and Diya next to the Ravana image.
6. Perform the parikrama (circumambulation) around the Ravana image.
7. Conclude the puja by offering Dakshina (a token of respect) and food to Brahmins.
8. Sisters mark their brothers’ foreheads with a tikka, receiving gifts in return on this special occasion.
9. Distribute prasad among family and friends, gathering together for a joyous dinner.

The Astrological Significance of Dussehra 2023

In a fascinating twist, Dussehra also carries astrological significance. It harks back to the tale of Lord Hanuman’s rescue of Lord Shani from captivity in Lanka. Grateful for this act, Shani dev granted a boon: he would not cast an evil eye on devotees of Lord Hanuman. Thus, worshiping Lord Hanuman during Dussehra is believed to protect devotees from the adverse effects of Shani’s influence.

The Deeper Meaning of Dussehra

Dussehra embodies the timeless struggle between good and evil. Ravana, despite his profound knowledge, was consumed by pride, symbolizing ego’s destructive force. On the other hand, Lord Rama, the embodiment of virtue, upheld dharma and moral values. Dussehra represents the battle within every individual – the clash between good and bad on physical, mental, and emotional levels. When the divine spirit enters our lives, ego weakens and crumbles. Surrendering one’s soul to the divine brings unconditional love and knowledge, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, akin to Rama’s conquest over Ravana.

Rituals and Traditions

Dussehra is replete with rituals, making it a colorful and vibrant festival:

• Ramlila: This dramatization of the Ramayana story is eagerly awaited by all, young and old alike. Children dress in costumes and perform Rama’s victory over Ravana.
• Effigy Burning: Larger-than-life effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set ablaze amidst dazzling fireworks.
• Processions: Streets come alive as children and enthusiasts dress up as iconic characters from the Ramayana, blessing passersby with good wishes.
• Durga Puja Conclusion: In East India, Dussehra coincides with the grand finale of Durga Puja, where the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water.
• Vidyarambam: In South India, this day aligns with Vidyarambam, where Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, is revered.

The Legend of Dussehra 2023

As per the epic Ramayana, Dussehra commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana. It signifies the triumph of virtue over vice, symbolized by Ravana’s ten heads, representing ten vices: envy, pride, anger, false belief, greed, injustice, selfishness, arrogance, hatred, and ego. As we burn effigies of Ravana, we symbolically rid ourselves of these vices.

This Dussehra, join hands with PanditJiOnCall to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Let the divine light guide your path, and may the lessons from Lord Rama’s life inspire you to lead a virtuous, harmonious life.

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Here is a comprehensive list of all festivals and fasting days, along with their detailed information.

Diwali Festival Calendar
Diwali Day-1 Festival	Govatsa Dwadashi, Vasu Baras
Diwali Day-2 Festival	Dhanteras, Dhanvantari Trayodashi
Diwali Day-3 Festival	Yama Deepam, Kali Chaudas, Hanuman Puja, Tamil Deepavali, Narak Chaturdashi
Diwali Day-4 Festival	Diwali Lakshmi Puja, Kedar Gauri Vrat, Chopda Puja, Sharda Puja, Diwali Snan, Diwali Devpuja
Diwali Day-5 Festival	Dyuta Krida, Gowardhan Puja, Annakut Puja, Bali Pratipada, Gujrati New Year Celebration
Diwali Day-6 Festival	Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, Yama Dwitiya

Also Read: Dhanteras 2023 : Date, Time, Muhurt