Dussehra & Vijayadashami 2025: The Divine Celebration of Lord Rama’s Victory Over Evil

Why do devotees across India celebrate Dussehra & Vijayadashami 2025 as a symbol of Lord Rama and Goddess Durga’s triumph of good over evil?

Of the many Indian holidays, Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is one of the most important. Celebrated for the victory of dharma over adharma, it serves as a reminder that truth, courage, and dharma will always prevail over deceit and negativity. It is a time for celebration, as we honor Lord Rama’s defeat of demon king Ravana and Goddess Durga’s defeat of Mahishasura. Dussehra signifies the hope and divinity of justice.

From Lord Rama to Goddess Durga — The Triumph of Light Over Darkness

Dussehra is the most festive and energetic celebration of the year. Dussehra is celebrated after the 9 nights of Navratri, the most important time for the worship of Shakti. The nine nights of celebration is divided into three sets representing the three gunas of Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva. Each set is in relation to a goddess — Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. On the tenth day, called Vijayadashami, the devotees celebrate the victory of good over evil and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness.

According to Sanatangyan scriptures and Vedic teachings, this day teaches us an eternal truth. It reminds us that some values never change. Goodness, truth, and righteousness always triumph in the end.

“सत्यं एव जयते” - (Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.6)

“Truth alone triumphs.”

Dussehra celebrations embody the triumph of good over evil, irrespective of how powerful evil may appear. Evil may appear powerful, but divine grace will prevail. Dussehra is celebrated in North India and in most parts of the country as well.

The Divine Story of Lord Rama’s Victory

While in North India the Ramayana is the story celebrated, in the rest country the story of the Lord Ram is in the Dussehra celebrations. Ramayana tells the story of Lord Ram and how he, along with his brother Lakshman and Hanuman, confronted evil and fought a fierce battle against the ten-headed demon king of Lanka, Ravana.

As a sadhu, Ravana spiritually deceived and kidnapped Mata Sita. Curtain Ravana’s demise was this spiritual deception. Devotion, determination, and courage defined Rama’s journey and encapsulated Sanatangyan’s determination of righteousness and justice. Rama prayed for the surpassing might of the goddess as he mastered the final combat after the 9 nights of worship of Navadurga. He prayed for the power of the goddess to conquer the evil he was to face.

Ramleela, celebrated in India, narrates this most sacred story. Celebrations include burning Ravana's effigies along with the rest of his kin, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran. This symbolizes victory over the inner Ravana in each of us represented by ego, anger, and ignorance. 

A shastra (scriptural) verse perfectly captures this divine victory:

“धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः” - (Manusmriti 8.15)

“Dharma protects those who protect it.”

The Goddess Durga and the Power of Shakti

Finishing touches of the Durga Puja festival is eastern India, where it is celebrated with the enactment of the story of the Goddess conquering the most evil demon Mahishasura. In this worship, Maa Durga is celebrated as the supreme form of Shakti. It is said that Mahishasura was a demon king who could not be defeated by any man or god. He was finally vanquished by Goddess Durga after a fierce nine-day battle.

This story also signifies the divine feminine power, the Shakti, that exists in every being and is also capable of destroying the arrogance and evil that so heavily pervades our world. Durga embodies that power and her victory serves to remind each of her devotees that with the guidnace of divine devotion, the strength to conquer evil lies, most importantly, within every one of us.

As stated in the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati):

“या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्ति रूपेण संस्थिता।”

“To that Goddess who abides in all beings as power, we bow again and again.”

In Bengal, women celebrate Sindoor Khela by happily applying vermilion to each other. This ritual symbolizes the power of womanhood, love, and protection. It reflects the Sanatangyan philosophy, which honors the divine feminine.

Celebrations Across India — Unity in Diversity

Dussehra is a festival that everyone celebrates and, as a result, connects. It is a blast of joy and devotion to the country and all the people as it is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. From the Ramleela competitions of Uttar Pradesh all the way to the grand Mysuru Dasara, it’s all a celebration of togetherness.

• Ramleela (North India): Dramatic enactments of the Ramayana, ending with the burning of effigies and fireworks.

  
  

• Sindoor Khela (West Bengal): Married women celebrate the power and blessings of Goddess Durga before her immersion.

  
  

• Kullu Dussehra (Himachal Pradesh): A week-long celebration filled with colorful fairs, dance, and devotion.

  
  

• Mysuru Dasara (Karnataka): A royal procession honoring Maa Chamundeshwari, accompanied by music, elephants, and divine rituals.

Each celebration may look different, but the essence is the same. It reflects the Sanatangyan spirit of good triumphing over evil. The soul of the festival remains united across India.

The Spiritual Message of Dussehra

Dussehra is all about the joy of togetherness and the celebration of good over evil. Beyond the joy of togetherness, the fireworks, and the parades, there is a moral to the festival. It is imperative to triumph over one’s inner Ravana…the ego, irritation, and foolishness. Another important moral of the festival is the value of a guru, and a sadhu. Their guiding wisdom is a treasure.

As the Bhagavad Gita beautifully says:

“उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।”

Translation: “Lift yourself by your own self; do not degrade yourself.”

In conclusion, Dussehra and Vijayadashami in the year 2025 will always symbolize the eternal victory of dharma over adharma. With it, we must walk on the road of truth, courage, and the trust of a guru and sadhu. The festival axiomatically affirms that everyone has the strength to conquer their inner evil. It encourages us to live in the light of righteousness, just like Lord Rama and Goddess Durga show in the Sanatangyan tradition.