Vijayadashami 2023: Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, this festival is celebrated with great pomp across the country. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Vijay Dashami is celebrated every year on the day after the conclusion of Sharadiya Navratri. This time the Dashami date of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month is on 24 October 2023. Vijayadashami, celebrated on the 10th day of Durga Puja, symbolizes the victory of truth, dharma, and goodness over falsehood, ego, tyranny, and evil. According to religious beliefs, Lord Shri Ram had killed Ravana, the symbol of unrighteousness, oppression, and injustice. Apart from this, Goddess Durga protected religion and truth by killing the demon named Mahishasura. On this day, Lord Shri Ram, Durgaji, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Hanuman ji are worshiped and blessings are wished for everyone. To fulfill all the wishes, reciting Ramcharit Manas, etc. on Vijayadashami is considered auspicious. The festival of Vijayadashami is considered to be Abujha Muhurat, that is, all kinds of auspicious works can be done on this festival without observing the auspicious time.
Vijayadashami auspicious time for auspicious works
Vijayadashami is an all-giving date, hence this day is considered auspicious for all auspicious works. According to the belief of astrology, auspicious works like writing letters to children, construction of a shop or house, housewarming, tonsure, a food offering, naming, ear piercing, yajnopavit rites, Bhoomi puja, etc. can be done on this day. It is believed that any work started on this day is sure to be successful. Due to these religious beliefs, in ancient times, kings used to leave for war on this day with the wish of victory. On this day, a huge effigy of Ravana is made and burnt as a symbol of evil.
Importance of worshiping Shami plant on Dussehra
There is a tradition of especially worshiping the Shami plant on Dussehra. According to mythological belief, in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas hid their weapons on the Shami tree, after which they won the war over the Kauravas. On this day, by placing a branch of Shami in the east direction of the house and worshiping it properly, happiness and prosperity reside in the family. Worshiping this tree provides relief from the inauspicious effects of Saturn.
Importance of eating paan on Vijayadashami
Eating and feeding betel leaves on Vijayadashami is considered a sign of respect, love, and victory. On the day of Dussehra, eating betel leaf after burning Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad expresses the happiness of the victory of truth. On this day, after offering sweet Bundi to Hanumanji, it is important to seek his blessings by offering betel leaves to him.
It is auspicious to see the Neelkanth bird.
Neelkanth bird is considered a symbol of Lord Shiva. On the day of Dussehra, seeing Neelkanth and praying for auspicious results from Lord Shiva brings good luck, wealth and happiness in life. According to mythological beliefs, Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram had first seen the Neelkanth bird with the desire to win over Ravana, the king of Lanka.
