Dusshera

Dussehra festival is observed to celebrate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana. The auspicious festival will be celebrated on 12th October 2024, Saturday in the month of Ashwina on the tenth day of bright fortnight when the Navaratri event closes. The observation of the Diwali festival occurs after 20 days of Dussehra celebration.

The festival exemplifies the prevailing of righteousness over demoniac nature through the variegated celebrations and is also known by the name Vijay Dashami. Participate in the festivities through immersing yourself in the divine celebrations and sponsor numerous sevas to receive the unlimited favor of Lord Sri Ramachandra.

How dussehra is celebrated?

Celebrations of Dussehra is variegated in numerous places of India with great pomp and festivities. The greatest celebration is organized in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh state. Multiple other states like Varanasi, Kanpur and in northern India have varied scales of celebrations, participation and different celebration features. Devotees chant Nama Ramayana and Hare Krishna Mantra to please the Lord and attract His transcendental favor.

There is organization of theaters based on the pastimes of Ramayana, burning of Effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran and Meghnath, worship of Goddess Durga and processions of sculptures, performance of Garba folk dance. Special Dussehra fair is organized in various cities and thousands of people participate in the joyful and engaging festivities.

Preyers offered by Srila Jayadeva Goswami

Srila Jayadeva goswami glorifies Lord Ramachandra in his famous prayers of Dashavatara-stotra.

Jayadeva Goswami Preyer:

vitarasi dikshu rane dik-pati-kamaniyam
dasa-mukha-mauli-balim ramaniyam
kesava dhrita-rama-sarira jaya jagadisa hare

Transalation: "0 Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of Ramacandra! All glories to You! In the battle of Lanka You destroy the ten-headed demon Ravana and distribute his heads as a delightful offering to the presiding deities of the ten directions, headed by Indra. This action was long desired by all of them, who were much harassed by this monster."

Why dussehra is celebrated?

The celebration is majorly based upon two related pastimes, one of Goddess Durga killing the demon Mahisasura and other is the victory of Lord Rama over demoniac king Ravana. Both the tails exemplify and fortify the victory of goodness over demoniac nature.

Durga Puja is arranged to worship the Goddess, glorifying Her killing of the Mahisasura demon with trident to protect and please demigods. Character of Lord Rama is Glorified and depicted by the performance of Ramayana pastime and the effigies are burned to commemorate the killing of demon Ravana by Lord Sri Ramachandra to eliminate the sinful ruling over the world.

Dussehra Celebrations at Gupt Vrindavan Dham

The Gupt Vrindavan Dham celebrates Dussehra with vibrant festivities, honoring the victory of good over evil. A unique highlight of this year’s celebration is the ceremonial Ravan Dahan, symbolizing the destruction of negativity and the triumph of dharma.

Grand Celebrations of Dussehra at Gupt Vrindavan Dham

The day will feature a series of enriching programs, including melodious kirtans and bhajans that fill the air with devotion. Devotees will actively participate, dancing and singing in front of the deities, creating a joyful atmosphere.

The deities will be adorned with beautiful dresses, exquisite jewelry, and fresh flower garlands. A variety of delicious bhoga offerings will be presented, including traditional favorites.

The burning of 60 ft. high effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarana and Meghanadh mark the victory of Lord Rama over Rakshasa Ravana and also to indicate the victory of truth over evil . There were grand fireworks in the background as the effigies are burnt down.

Schedule of Dussehra Celebrations 2024

Dussehra Celebration Date: October 12, 2024

• Krishna Balaram Pallaki Procession: 5:50 PM - 6:00 PM (towards Mathura lawn)
• Welcome & Announcements: 6:00 PM - 6:10 PM
• Ramleela Drama Performance: 6:10 PM - 8:10 PM
• Felicitation of Artists: 8:10 PM - 8:15 PM
• Maha Aarti: 8:15 PM - 8:25 PM
• Ravan Dahan: 8:25 PM - 8:35 PM

Join us for this auspicious occasion, enjoy the festivities, and receive the blessings of the divine!

What dussehra teaches us?

Vijay Dashami or Dussehra is related to the characters of glorious personalities including Lord Rama, Laxmana and so on. Along with the spectacular festivities the celebration also enlightens the participants with the inspiring wisdom. The presentation of unwavering determination, unparallel righteousness and many more qualities in the character of Lord Rama is exemplary of the whole human society.

One can learn the glorious effects of practicing meritorious principles from Lord Rama and also can witness the deteriorating consequences of cultivating demoniac mentality from the character of Ravana, who was destroyed due to his false ego.

Dussehra Seva

The festival is of great significance for the devotees of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. Participate in the spectacular festivities at Haare Krishna Mandir Jaipur to strengthen the devotion and experience jubilant celebrations.

Engage in liberally contributing for gau daan and anna daan on this auspicious festival to invite the mercy of Lord in the form of eternal prosperity and virtuous qualities. Donate generously on Dussehra to burn the vicious nature, invoke victory and virtues in life through the kind mercy of Lord Ramachandra.