📜 Significance:
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of good over evil. It marks the day Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana, symbolizing the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil). In Maharashtra, Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and the day is considered highly auspicious for beginning new ventures, education, and important tasks. It also signifies the end of the Navratri festival and the immersion of idols used during the celebrations.

🗓️ When It’s Performed:

  • Celebrated on the 10th day (Dashami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashwin (September–October)
  • Pooja is usually performed in the morning or afternoon on Vijayadashami

🛐 Who Can Perform:

  • Individuals and families, especially those who performed Navratri pujas
  • Business owners, students, and anyone beginning a new venture or task
  • Can be performed at home, temples, or community centers with a Panditji’s guidance

📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):

  • Idol or picture of Goddess Durga or Lord Rama
  • Kalash (pot with water, mango leaves, and coconut)
  • Haldi, kumkum, sindoor, sandalwood paste
  • Fresh flowers and garlands
  • Diya (lamp), agarbatti (incense sticks), camphor
  • Fruits, sweets, and dry fruits
  • Vermilion (Sindoor) and rice grains for offering
  • Tulsi leaves (holy basil)
  • New books, pens, tools, or vehicles for “Shastra Puja” or “Ayudha Puja” (worship of tools/weapons)

🕯️ Main Rituals:

  1. Shastra Puja / Ayudha Puja: Worshipping weapons, tools, or instruments to invoke divine blessings for success and protection
  2. Offering prayers to Goddess Durga or Lord Rama with flowers, incense, and lamps
  3. Recitation of mantras and aarti (devotional song)
  4. Distributing prasad (blessed food) among family and community
  5. Immersion of Navratri idols or symbolic items (if applicable)
  6. Starting new work, learning, or journeys after the puja as the day is considered very auspicious

⏳ Duration:
Usually 30 to 60 minutes depending on the rituals performed

🎁 Benefits of Dussehra Pooja:

  • Blessings for victory over obstacles and evil forces
  • Prosperity, success, and protection in new ventures
  • Spiritual upliftment and mental clarity
  • Strengthening of family bonds and community harmony
  • Encouragement of discipline and righteousness in life