Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, was celebrated across India on Thursday, October 2, 2025, marking the triumph of good over evil. The festival, which also signifies the culmination of Navratri and Durga Puja, commemorates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga's triumph over Mahishasura. Effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad were burned in many parts of the country, symbolizing the defeat of evil forces.
However, the celebrations were dampened in some regions due to rainfall. In Delhi, sudden showers disrupted Dussehra events, leading to the cancellation of some major programs. The highly anticipated Raavan Dahan program, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to be the chief guest, was called off due to the continuous rain. A Dussehra event that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was scheduled to attend at the Parade Ground near Red Fort was also canceled because of the weather. Despite the rain, President Droupadi Murmu attended Dussehra celebrations at Madhav Das Park, Red Fort in Delhi.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast widespread rain across several regions of India during Dussehra. A yellow alert, warning of light rainfall, had been issued for Delhi-NCR. The IMD predicted light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening for the capital. Residents were advised to exercise caution while traveling, with potential traffic disruptions due to slippery roads and low visibility.
Beyond Delhi, the IMD also predicted intense showers for East, Central, West, South Peninsular, and Northeast India. Heavy rainfall was expected to disrupt Dussehra celebrations in Odisha, Bengal, and Karnataka. Light to moderate rain and thunderstorms were likely over Saurashtra and Kutch, with showers also expected in Madhya Pradesh and Marathawada.
Despite the weather-related disruptions, Dussehra was celebrated with traditional fervor in many parts of India. The burning of Ravana's effigies remained a central event, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. In some regions, the celebrations included elaborate processions, Shastra Puja (worship of weapons), and cultural performances.
Dussehra holds immense cultural and religious significance in India. The festival is a gazetted holiday, with government offices, post offices, and banks closed. Many people observe Dussehra through special prayer meetings and food offerings to the gods at home or in temples. The festival also marks the culmination of the Navaratri festival, with local celebrations lasting up to 10 days in some areas.
Dussehra is a pan-Indian festival, with regional customs and traditions adding distinctive flavors to the festivities. In Kolkata, Durga Puja celebrations coincide with Dussehra, featuring elaborately crafted pandals. In Delhi, extensive Ramlila performances recreate the epic Ramayana. Other notable Dussehra celebrations take place in Ahmedabad, Bastar (Chhattisgarh), and Punjab.
