According to the Vedic calendar, the *Dashami Tithi* (tenth lunar day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (bright fortnight) in the month of *Ashwin* will begin at 12:50 PM on October 20th and conclude at 2:11 PM on October 21st. This year, the festival of Dussehra will be celebrated on October 20th. The ritual of *Ravan Dahan* (the burning of the effigy of Ravana) is performed during the *Pradosh Kaal* (the twilight period).

It was on the day of Dussehra that Lord Rama defeated and slew Ravana, emerging victorious in the battle. This festival is celebrated as the triumph of truth over falsehood and righteousness (*Dharma*) over unrighteousness (*Adharma*). It is also believed that on this very day, Goddess Durga slew the demon Mahishasura; hence, this festival is observed on the tenth day of the *Shardiya Navratri*.

**Vijaya Dashami Muhurat (Auspicious Timing)**

The *Dashami Tithi* begins at 12:50 PM on Tuesday, October 20th, and ends at 2:11 PM on Wednesday, October 21st. Since the *Dashami Tithi* coincides with the *Pradosh Kaal*, the festival of Vijaya Dashami will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20th.
*Vijaya Muhurat:* From 1:47 PM to 2:33 PM on Tuesday.
*Aparahna Puja Muhurat (Afternoon worship timing):* From 1:02 PM to 3:19 PM.

**Traditions of Vijaya Dashami**

**Betel Leaf (*Paan*) as a Symbol of Victory**

On the day of Dussehra, after the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnada, the consumption of a *paan* (betel leaf preparation) signifies the joy of the victory of truth. It is also customary to offer *meethi boondi* (sweetened gram-flour droplets) and a *paan* to Lord Hanuman to seek his blessings. On Vijaya Dashami, the act of consuming and sharing *paan* is considered a symbol of respect, love, and victory. 

**Seeing the 'Neelkanth' (Indian Roller) is Auspicious**

With the desire to attain victory over Ravana, the lord of Lanka, Lord Rama—the embodiment of righteousness—sought a glimpse of the 'Neelkanth' (Indian Roller) bird. This bird is considered a representative of Lord Shiva. On the day of Dussehra, sighting a Neelkanth and praying to Lord Shiva for auspicious outcomes is believed to bring good fortune, wealth, prosperity, and happiness into one's life.

**Viewing and Worshipping the Shami Tree**

On the day of Dussehra, it is considered highly auspicious to view and worship the Shami tree. This practice is believed to grant victory over enemies and bring wealth and prosperity. It helps remove obstacles from one's life, provides relief from the malefic effects of Saturn (such as *Shani Dosh*, *Sade Sati*, and *Dhaiya*), and eliminates the influence of any negative occult practices (*tantra-mantra*) from one's home.

PC Social Media