Dussehra (Dasara) Festival 2025: Date, Vijay Muhurat, Significance and Celebrations Across India

Dasara, also known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is observed with grandeur across the country. In 2025, Dasara falls on Thursday, October 2, coinciding with the conclusion of Durga Puja 2025. This makes the festival season even more vibrant, as communities come together to celebrate faith, culture, and tradition.

Dussehra 2025 Date, Dashami Tithi & Vijay Muhurat

• Festival Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
• Durga Puja Dates: September 28 to October 2, 2025
• Dashami Tithi Begins: October 1, 2025, at 6:27 PM
• Dashami Tithi Ends: October 2, 2025, at 4:55 PM
• Vijay Muhurat: October 2, 2025, from 2:09 PM to 2:56 PM
• Aparahna Puja Time: 1:21 PM to 3:44 PM

These timings are vital in Hindu tradition. Rituals performed during the Vijay Muhurat and Dashami of Dussehra are believed to bring prosperity, protection, and positivity. Many families use this time for auspicious beginnings — weddings, new ventures, property investments — aligning with Dasara’s spiritual energy.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The essence of Dasara lies in its celebration of righteousness triumphing over evil.

• Ramayana Connection: In northern India, Dasara marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana after a ten-day battle. Effigies of Ravana, along with those of his brothers Meghnath and Kumbhkaran, are burnt to symbolize the destruction of arrogance and evil.
  
  
• Durga’s Victory: In eastern India, particularly West Bengal, it commemorates Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The day represents feminine strength and divine justice.
  
  
• South Indian Traditions: In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, Dasara is observed through Ayudha Puja, where tools, books, and instruments are worshipped. This reflects gratitude for knowledge, skills, and livelihood.

The festival is a unifying event that blends mythology, devotion, and culture across India.

Vijayadashami and Durga Puja in 2025

One of the biggest festivals in India is Durga Puja, particularly in Kolkata and other West Bengali cities.  It will take place in 2025 from September 28 to October 2, with Vijayadashami at the end.

• Mahaashtami: September 30, 2025: a day marked by fervent devotion and the well-known Anjali sacrifice.
  
  
• Maha Navami: regarded as the pinnacle of Durga Puja celebrations, October 1, 2025.
  
  
• Vijaya Dashami: October 2, 2025: When married women apply vermilion to one another as a blessing for a long and happy married life, it's known as Sindoor Khela and emotional idol immersions.

With its ornate pandals, creative decorations, traditional music, and mouthwatering Bengali food, Durga Puja is more than just a religious festival.

How India Celebrates Dasara

Each region in India has unique ways of celebrating Dasara, making it one of the most diverse festivals in the country.

• North India: Ramlila performances narrating episodes from the Ramayana draw huge crowds. The burning of towering Ravana effigies with fireworks symbolizes the victory of virtue.
• West Bengal and Eastern States: Cultural performances, idol immersions, and family gatherings dominate the celebrations. Streets and pandals are beautifully lit, attracting millions of visitors.
  
  
• South India: Mysore Dasara is globally renowned. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with nearly 100,000 lights, and a grand procession featuring decorated elephants, folk dances, and musicians captivates tourists.
  
  
• Western India: In Gujarat, Navratri and Dasara are celebrated with Garba and Dandiya Raas, blending devotion with dance.

With lakhs of devotees traveling during this season, reliable transport is essential. The Yatri app makes festive journeys stress-free by offering live train status updates, offline railway timetables, and metro ticket booking, ensuring travelers reach their destinations comfortably.

Popular Traditions and Customs

Performing puja at homes and communal temples is one of the commonly observed customs during Dasara.

• Performing Ayudha Puja by worshipping tools, literature, and automobiles.
• Making seasonal treats and serving them to loved ones and neighbours.
• Planning cultural events that include plays, dancing, and music.
• Sending each other well wishes and blessings for success and joy.

These traditions emphasise India's rich cultural legacy and foster a sense of solidarity.

Travel & Tourism in Dasara 2025

Dasara is also a popular tourist season in India.  Cities such as Mysore, Kolkata, Varanasi, and Delhi see an inflow of domestic and foreign tourists eager to enjoy the grandeur of the festivities.  Hotels, transportation, and local markets boom during this time.

If you intend to attend the Durga Puja in Kolkata or the Mysore Dasara procession in Karnataka, you should schedule your travel and accommodations well in advance.  Using applications like Yatri app to schedule your train and metro journeys might help you avoid queues and manage your travel more efficiently throughout the hectic holiday season.

Happy Dasara Wishes in 2025

May Dasara 2025 bring you power, prosperity, and pleasure.

If you are planning to travel home or visit iconic celebrations like Mysore Dasara or Durga Puja in Kolkata, do check out our guide on Central Railway Festival Special Trains 2025 for smooth festive travel

Final Word

Dasara is more than a festival; it is a celebration of values, traditions, and unity. Whether it is the dazzling Mysore procession, the emotional Durga idol immersions in Bengal, or the burning of Ravana effigies in the north, every region of India adds its own flavor to the occasion.

In 2025, mark October 2 on your calendar for this grand celebration. Plan your journeys in advance and rely on Yatri app to make your festive travel smooth and hassle-free. This Dasara, celebrate not just tradition but also convenience, joy, and togetherness.