Vijayadashami 2025: Beyond Ravan's Flame, The Deeper Message of Dussehra in Today's Times
Annanya Saxena | Sep 30, 2025, 09:39 IST
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( Image credit : Unsplash )
Highlight of the story: Dussehra 2025 falls on Wednesday, October 1, with Vijay Muhurat between 2:00 PM and 2:45 PM. While the festival marks Ram’s victory over Ravan, its lessons apply today. Each of Ravan’s ten heads represents daily challenges like anger, greed, and pride. Burning effigies is symbolic, the real work is fighting within. This guide covers puja timings, regional traditions, do’s and don’ts, and how Vijayadashami inspires modern life. True victory means balance and choosing values in tough moments.
Your neighborhood park fills with families waiting for the giant Ravan effigy to burn. Kids clutch cotton candy while sitting on dad's shoulders. The crowd counts down as flames shoot through the ten-headed demon and firecrackers explode overhead.
But what if this festival means more than just a good evening show? What if burning Ravan teaches lessons about daily battles inside yourself?
Vijayadashami falls on Wednesday October 1, 2025. The auspicious time starts at 12:06 PM on October 1 and ends at 12:47 PM on October 2.
Best prayer times:
The name tells everything. Vijaya means victory. Dashami marks the tenth day. Ram defeated Ravan. Durga destroyed Mahishasura. Both stories share one truth about good beating evil.
Here's what gets lost between fireworks and fair crowds. Ravan wasn't just evil. He was brilliant, powerful and devoted to Lord Shiva. His downfall came from ego, unchecked desire and refusing to see his mistakes.
Think about those ten heads differently. Not a literal monster but ten inner struggles everyone faces daily. Anger over small stuff. Greed wanting more despite having enough. Jealousy watching others succeed. Pride refusing to admit being wrong.
Burning the effigy becomes symbolic when viewed this way. Real work happens inside your mind and heart. Can you drop that grudge against your coworker? Can you admit messing up instead of making excuses? Can you pause before reacting in anger?
Most families start October 1 with morning prayers at home or temples. Some worship the Shami tree remembering how Pandavas hid weapons in its branches.
Common practices:
Worth doing:
Dussehra reminds us good wins but battles never end. New challenges constantly test your patience, values and strength. The festival celebrates winning small daily fights against worse impulses.
Next time Ravan burns remember he represents parts of yourself worth examining. His story warns against letting any single quality grow so large it destroys everything else. Balance beats extremes every time.
Your actual victory comes from spotting these patterns in yourself and choosing differently despite how hard that feels some days. The inner work matters more than watching flames consume cardboard and cloth.
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But what if this festival means more than just a good evening show? What if burning Ravan teaches lessons about daily battles inside yourself?
When Vijayadashami Happens in 2025
Dussehra 2025 night
( Image credit : ANI )
Vijayadashami falls on Wednesday October 1, 2025. The auspicious time starts at 12:06 PM on October 1 and ends at 12:47 PM on October 2.
Best prayer times:
- Aparahna Puja: From 1:15 PM to 3:30 PM
- Vijay Muhurat: From 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM for starting new things
What Ravan Actually Represents
Dussehra rituals 2025
( Image credit : ANI )
The name tells everything. Vijaya means victory. Dashami marks the tenth day. Ram defeated Ravan. Durga destroyed Mahishasura. Both stories share one truth about good beating evil.
Here's what gets lost between fireworks and fair crowds. Ravan wasn't just evil. He was brilliant, powerful and devoted to Lord Shiva. His downfall came from ego, unchecked desire and refusing to see his mistakes.
Think about those ten heads differently. Not a literal monster but ten inner struggles everyone faces daily. Anger over small stuff. Greed wanting more despite having enough. Jealousy watching others succeed. Pride refusing to admit being wrong.
Burning the effigy becomes symbolic when viewed this way. Real work happens inside your mind and heart. Can you drop that grudge against your coworker? Can you admit messing up instead of making excuses? Can you pause before reacting in anger?
Simple Rituals You Can Follow
India Hindu Festival, Dusshera
( Image credit : AP )
Most families start October 1 with morning prayers at home or temples. Some worship the Shami tree remembering how Pandavas hid weapons in its branches.
Common practices:
- Apply tilak and exchange Shami leaves with neighbors
- Students place books near deities seeking knowledge
- Visit temples for community prayers with family
What to Do and Skip Today
Ravana effigy with paper
( Image credit : ANI )
Worth doing:
- Visit temples or join community prayers
- Spend quality time with family minus phone distractions
- Start something new like a course or healthy habit
- Reflect on personal growth areas needing work
- Meat and alcohol if following traditions
- Lecturing family about their choices
- Starting fights over tiny disagreements
The Real Message for Modern Life
Next time Ravan burns remember he represents parts of yourself worth examining. His story warns against letting any single quality grow so large it destroys everything else. Balance beats extremes every time.
Your actual victory comes from spotting these patterns in yourself and choosing differently despite how hard that feels some days. The inner work matters more than watching flames consume cardboard and cloth.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!