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Spiritual Significance
Dussehra or Vijayadashami marks Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana and Goddess Durga's slaying of Mahishasura. The festival is celebrated on the 10th day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of Ashwin. Across India, giant effigies of Ravana are burned with firecrackers, Ram Lila performances conclude, and Goddess Durga idols are immersed in rivers.
How to Celebrate in United Kingdom
Observing Dussehra in United Kingdom is highly auspicious. Because local timezone sunrise and moonrise times differ, follow these practices:
- Align Fasting with Local Sunrise: Start your vrat precisely at sunrise in London (approx 06:00 local time), rather than following Indian Standard Time.
- Perform Puja during local Auspicious Hours: Make sure to perform the main rituals during local GMT evening/night windows as shown above.
- Burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkarna
- Ram Leela performances and conclusion
- Shami Puja and exchange of Shami leaves as gold
- Goddess Durga procession and visarjan
- Ayudha Puja in South India
Auspicious Items to Prepare
🌸 Shami leaves🌸 Aparajita flowers🌸 Gold and silver🌸 Arms and tools🌸 Khichdi