Dussehra 2025 wishes and traditions: From fiery Ravana effigies to sacred Vidyarambham rituals
As the scent of incense fills the air and the echoes of conch shells and chants fade with Durga Puja and Navaratri, the tenth day of this sacred season arrives – Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami. Celebrated across India with grandeur and deep spiritual meaning, this festival marks the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and truth over falsehood.
Falling on Thursday, October 2, 2025, this sacred occasion means different things across the country.
The victory of Lord Rama over Ravana (North India)
In much of North India, Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka. According to the Ramayana, Ravana abducted Sita, Rama's wife, leading to a fierce battle. With the help of his brother Lakshmana, the devoted Hanuman, and the Vanar Sena, Rama defeated Ravana on the tenth day of war, celebrated as Vijayadashami.
On this day, towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnath are set ablaze, symbolising the destruction of ego, arrogance, and evil.
Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura (Eastern India)
In states like West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, Vijayadashami marks the final day of Durga Puja, where the goddess is worshipped for slaying the demon Mahishasura after a nine-day battle. Her victory represents divine feminine power conquering chaos and cruelty.
The day ends with Durga Visarjan, the emotional immersion of Durga idols into rivers, accompanied by the rhythmic ‘Dhunuchi Nritya’ and the red-hued celebration of Sindoor Khela.
Vidyarambham and the start of learning (Southern India)
In Kerala, parts of Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, Vijayadashami is the day of Vidyarambham — the ceremonial beginning of a child’s education. Young children aged 2 to 5 are gently guided by elders to write their first letters in rice or sand, invoking the blessings of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and arts.
The ritual reflects the belief that education is sacred, and that learning must begin on an auspicious day where knowledge conquers ignorance.
️ Dussehra 2025 muhurat and timings
According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings for Dussehra celebrations this year are:
Vijay Muhurat: 02:09 PM – 02:57 PM
Aparahna Puja Time: 01:21 PM – 03:45 PM
Dashami Tithi Begins: 07:01 PM on October 1
Dashami Tithi Ends: 07:10 PM on October 2
Shravana Nakshatra: Begins 09:13 AM on Oct 2, Ends 09:34 AM on Oct 3
Dussehra wishes to share with your friends and family
- Let us burn away all negativity and fear, and rise with light and strength. Happy Dussehra!
- May Goddess Durga and Lord Rama bless you with wisdom, courage, and victory in all your endeavors.
- On this Vijayadashami, may your heart be filled with truth, your actions with integrity, and your life with light.
- Just as Rama defeated Ravana, may you conquer your struggles and shine brighter each day.
- To all young learners beginning their journey on Vidyarambham — may your path be lit with curiosity, focus, and joy.
Happy Dussehra!