Dussehra 2025: Why You Shouldn’t Cut Nails or Eat Non-Veg on Vijayadashami

Celebrate Dussehra 2025 the proper way! Read why Sanatangyan customs prohibit nail clipping and consumption of non-veg on Vijayadashami, and observe the divine dos and don'ts for a clean, godly day.

Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, marks the last day of Navratri, and most importantly, the victory of good over evil. It is on October 2nd in 2025 which coincidently is Gandhi Jayanti too. This makes the day more special and spiritual. The functions which include Durga Visarjan and Ravan Dahan are conducted with much joy and devotion. However, in Sanatangyan wisdom, Dussehra is much more than celebrations. It is a day of purification, contemplation, and adherence to the path of righteousness. This is the case even after the nine days of fasting during Navratri.

The Spiritual Essence of Dussehra

Dussehra holds symbolic meaning which teaches Sanatangyan followers the importance of dharma. More specifically, it is the reminder of conquering the negativity within us, and the ego and greed just like how Ram overcame Ravan. As the Ramayana says, it guides us to live a life of virtue and moral strength.

“धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः।”

“Dharma protects those who protect it.” — Manusmriti (8.15)

This Sanskrit phrase demonstrates that when we adhere to righteousness, it guards us in turn. By observing divine rituals and refraining from specific activities on Dussehra, we empower our spiritual energy. It also enables us to welcome divine blessings into our lives.

Dos to Follow on Dussehra 2025

1. Wake Up Early and Take a Holy Bath

The shastras state that to achieve a purification of the body, mind, and soul, a person must rise before the sun and bathe. Other devotees seek purification in the recitation of the Durga Saptashati or Ramayana.

“शुचिर्भूत्वा जपेत् मन्त्रं।”

“One should chant the mantra after becoming pure.” — Yajurveda 19.30

This Vedic teaching reminds us that cleanliness is very important. Keeping both our body and mind pure is the foundation of true worship.

2. Decorate Your Home

Cleanliness and decoration are acts of worship. You may adorn your home with flowers, rangoli, and lucky symbols like Swastika and Om. This not only decorates your surroundings but also brings positivity, peace, and prosperity into your home. It is quoted in the Atharva Veda:

“शुभं करोतु कल्याणं आरोग्यं धनसंपदा।”

Translation: “May goodness, health, and wealth bless the one who keeps purity in thought and surroundings.”

3. Pray to Goddess Durga and Lord Rama

On this day, devotees either perform Durga Visarjan or Ram Puja, depending on regional customs. Visiting temples or doing small pujas at home with devotion helps you stay spiritually connected. Gurus say that prayer offered with a pure heart has the power to change your destiny.

 "भक्त्या ममाभिजनाति यावान्यश्चास्मि तत्त्वतः।"

 Translation: Through devotion, one truly knows Me as I am. — Bhagavad Gita 18.55

4. Wear New or Traditional Clothes

Wearing new clothes symbolizes new beginning. Vibrant colors such as red, orange, or yellow are the best, as they represent energy, power, and positivity. Sanatangyan gurus believe these qualities make the day even more auspicious.

5. Follow a Satvik Diet

Even though many devotees are ready to break their Navratri fast, Dussehra is not the time for heavy or non-vegetarian meals. A satvik diet with fruits, milk, and light vegetarian dishes helps keep the mind calm and clear. Eating pure food, or shuddh bhojan, keeps your energy high and your consciousness uplifted.

  "आहारशुद्धौ सत्त्वशुद्धिः।"

Translation: When food is pure, the mind becomes pure. — Chandogya Upanishad 7.26.2

What Not to Do on Dussehra

1. Avoid Cutting Nails or Hair

It is said shastras should not be violated by cutting hair or nails on sacred days like Dussehra. Old gurus and sadhus thought it could disrupt a body’s spiritual atmosphere. Cutting nails is seen as inauspicious because it symbolizes removing parts of the body. That’s why it is avoided on holy occasions. It’s advisable to do this a day before or after Dussehra.

2. Avoid Eating Non-Vegetarian Food

Dussehra represents the victory of light over darkness and virtue over vice. Eating non-vegetarian food, drinking alcohol, or consuming onion and garlic is discouraged. These are believed to increase tamasic qualities like anger, lust, and negativity. A satvik diet, however, brings peace and helps maintain spiritual clarity.

 “अहिंसा परमो धर्मः”

Translation: “Non-violence is the highest form of righteousness.”

Consuming vegetarian food on Dussehra demonstrates compassion, appreciation, and spiritual consciousness.

In summary, Dussehra 2025 is not just festivities. It is a day to worship Sanatangyan customs and cleanse the body and mind. It is also a day when one should adhere to dharma. By refraining from nail clipping and eating non-vegetarian food, adopting a satvik way of life, and uttering genuine prayers, devotees come under the influence of the divine power of Vijayadashami. This instills peace, positivity, and divine blessings within their lives.