Vijayadashami (Dussehra) 2025 – Date, Significance, Rituals, and How to Celebrate

In 2025, Vijayadashami will be observed on Thursday, 2nd October, and is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar for initiating new ventures, education, or spiritual sadhana.

Vijayadashami 2025 – Date and Tithi

• Date: Thursday, 2nd October 2025
• Dashami Tithi Begins: 1st October at 3:16 PM
• Dashami Tithi Ends: 2nd October at 4:26 PM
• Auspicious Time for Shastra Puja & Vidyarambham: Sunrise to 4:26 PM on 2nd October

Why Is Vijayadashami Celebrated?

• Ram Bhakti Tradition: Celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, emphasizing courage, justice, and righteousness
• Shakta Tradition: Marks Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura, symbolizing destruction of ego and evil
• South India: Ends Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja, celebrated with Vidyarambham (initiation into learning)
• Maharashtra: Families exchange Apta leaves (sona) and perform Shami tree worship

Key Rituals of Vijayadashami

1. Durga Visarjan / Devi Udvasan

• Final day of Durga Puja in Bengal, with emotional immersion ceremonies
• Devotees chant “Asche Bochor Abar Hobe” (She will return next year)

2. Shastra Puja / Ayudha Puja

• Worshipping tools, vehicles, books, machines, and musical instruments
• Common in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra

3. Vidyarambham

• Children are introduced to writing sacred words like “Om” or “Sri” on a plate of rice
• Elders or priests guide the ritual, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu

4. Ramlila and Effigy Burning

• In North India, dramatic Ramlila performances conclude with the burning of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnath effigies

5. Apta Leaves Exchange / Shami Tree Worship

• In Maharashtra, people exchange Shami or Apta leaves (representing gold) and wish each other “Vijayadashami cha Shubhechha”

Spiritual Meaning of Vijayadashami

• Symbolizes the inner victory over fear, ego, ignorance, and injustice
• A time for renewal, courage, and fresh beginnings
• Encourages us to let go of negativity and choose the path of dharma
• An excellent muhurat for launching businesses, educational journeys, or spiritual goals

How to Celebrate Vijayadashami at Home

You can observe Vijayadashami with devotion even in a modern household:

• Set up a simple altar with Goddess Durga, Lord Rama, or Saraswati image
• Offer flowers, coconut, sweets, and light a ghee diya
• Perform Shastra Puja by worshipping your laptop, books, tools, or vehicle
• Encourage children to do Vidyarambham by writing “Om” on rice
• Read a short Ramayana passage or chant Durga Saptashati verses
• Offer sweets to neighbors, exchange Shami/Apta leaves, and seek elders' blessings
• Avoid negativity; instead, start the day with prayer and end with gratitude

Regional Celebrations Across India

• West Bengal & Odisha: Grand Durga Visarjan with Sindoor Khela and cultural events
• Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala: Saraswati Puja ends, and children perform Vidyarambham
• Maharashtra: Apta leaf exchange, vehicle puja, and symbolic Seema Olanghan
• North India: Ramlila concludes with Ravana Dahan and festive melas
• Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Ayudha Puja continues, followed by prayers for progress and success

Book Pandit for Dussehra Puja or Vidyarambham

BookMyPooja offers:

• Durga Visarjan, Shastra Puja, and Vidyarambham ceremonies
• Ramayana Paath, Ayudha Puja, and Saraswati Puja services
• Trained Vedic Pandits from Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Hindi, Bengali backgrounds
• Online or in-person puja with complete puja samagri and mantras

📞 Call 9869 92 92 92 or
🌐 Visit www.BookMyPoojaOnline.com to book your Vijayadashami Puja 2025.