Quick Answer: We celebrate Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, because it marks the victory of good over evil. According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana on this day. According to the Devi Mahatmya tradition, Goddess Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura. In 2017, Dussehra fell on Saturday, 30 September.
If you are a student who has to write an essay, prepare a speech or finish a school project this season, this guide covers everything in simple language. Reading it before you write is a good habit. In fact, the same skill is taught in any good digital marketing course: research first, then write clearly.
What Is Dussehra?
The Meaning Behind the Name
The word Dussehra comes from Sanskrit. Dasha means ten and hara means defeat. It refers to the defeat of the ten-headed Ravana. The festival is also called Vijayadashami, meaning “the tenth day of victory”. It falls on the tenth day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashwin, which usually lands in September or October.
Dussehra is a public holiday across India. Schools, colleges and offices stay closed, which is why students look forward to it every year. If you want more student-friendly guides like this one, browse the AMICI blog.
Dussehra 2017 Date and Timings
When Is Dussehra in 2017?
Dussehra in 2017 was celebrated on Saturday, 30 September 2017. Navratri began on 21 September and ended on 29 September, so Dussehra came right after the nine nights of devotion.
Auspicious Time (Vijay Muhurat)
The afternoon period known as Aparahna is considered the best time for Dussehra worship. In Delhi, the Vijay Muhurat that day was in the early afternoon, roughly between 2:09 PM and 2:56 PM. Exact timings can differ by city, so check your local panchang. Ravan Dahan usually takes place after sunset, at Pradosh Kaal.
Why the Date Changes Every Year
Dussehra follows the Hindu lunar calendar, not the Gregorian one. That is why the date moves between September and October each year. Students often get confused by this in exams, so remember: lunar calendar = changing date.
The Story of Dussehra: Rama and Ravana
The Background of the Ramayana
The most popular reason for celebrating Dussehra comes from the Ramayana, the ancient epic attributed to Sage Valmiki. Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, was sent to live in the forest for fourteen years. His wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana went with him.
The Abduction of Sita
Ravana, the powerful king of Lanka, was a great scholar and a devotee of Lord Shiva. But his pride and ego grew out of control. He kidnapped Sita and took her to Lanka. Rama was heartbroken but did not lose hope or his sense of right and wrong.
Hanuman and the Vanara Sena
Rama found allies in the monkey kingdom. Hanuman, the devoted warrior, crossed the ocean to find Sita and carried back news of her. Then the Vanara army, led by Sugriva, helped Rama build a bridge across the sea to Lanka. The story is a lesson in teamwork and loyalty.
The Final Battle
A fierce war followed between Rama’s army and Ravana’s forces. After many days of battle, Rama defeated Ravana on the tenth day. This is the moment Dussehra remembers. Rama then returned to Ayodhya, and the people welcomed him with lamps, a tradition we now celebrate as Diwali.
The Lesson for Students
Notice what the story teaches:
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Pride and arrogance destroy even the most powerful people.
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Patience, honesty and teamwork win in the end.
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Dharma (doing what is right) matters more than strength.
The Durga and Mahishasura Legend
A Different Story, the Same Message
In Eastern and Northern India, especially West Bengal, Odisha, Assam and Bihar, Dussehra is linked to Goddess Durga. The demon Mahishasura had received a boon that made him almost impossible to defeat, and he began to terrorise the heavens and the earth.
The Birth of Goddess Durga
The gods combined their energies and created Durga, a warrior goddess riding a lion. She fought Mahishasura for nine days and nine nights, and defeated him on the tenth. The nine nights are celebrated as Navratri, and the tenth day is Vijayadashami.
Why Two Stories?
India is a land of many traditions. The stories differ by region, but the message is exactly the same: evil may look strong, but good always wins. That is a point worth highlighting in your Dussehra essay for students.
The Significance of Dussehra
1. Spiritual Significance
Dussehra reminds us to defeat the “ten heads” of Ravana inside ourselves. Many people interpret them as ten human weaknesses:
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Kama (lust)
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Krodha (anger)
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Moha (attachment)
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Lobha (greed)
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Mada (pride)
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Matsarya (jealousy)
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Ahankara (ego)
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Amanavta (cruelty)
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Anyaaya (injustice)
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Swartha (selfishness)
2. Moral Significance
The festival teaches children and young adults to choose honesty even when it is hard. It is a yearly reminder that character matters more than power or money.
3. Social Significance
Dussehra brings neighbours, friends and families together. Fairs, Ramlila performances and community gatherings strengthen bonds across ages and backgrounds.
4. Seasonal and Agricultural Significance
Dussehra comes after the monsoon and near the autumn harvest. In many rural areas, it is a time of thanksgiving for crops and a symbolic start of a new season.
5. Cultural Significance
Ramlila, folk songs, regional food and traditional dress keep culture alive for the next generation. Students who take part in these events learn history in the most practical way.
How India Celebrates Dussehra
North India: Ramlila and Ravan Dahan
In Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, people watch Ramlila, a dramatic retelling of the Ramayana performed over several nights. On Dussehra evening, giant effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad are filled with fireworks and burned. The burning is called Ravan Dahan.
West Bengal: Durga Puja and Sindoor Khela
In Bengal, the festival is celebrated as Durga Puja. Elaborate pandals are built, and artists create magnificent idols. On the last day, married women apply vermilion to each other in a ritual called Sindoor Khela, and the idols are immersed in rivers.
Mysuru: The Royal Dasara
In Karnataka, Mysuru Dasara is a ten-day royal celebration with a grand procession, lit-up palaces and cultural programmes. It is one of the most famous festivals in South India.
Gujarat: Garba and Dandiya
In Gujarat, nights of Navratri are filled with Garba and Dandiya dances, and Dussehra is celebrated with jalebi and fafda. These are small details, but they make great additions to any school presentation.
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The Kullu Dussehra begins when others end, on Vijayadashami, and continues for a week. Local deities are carried in colourful processions to the Dhalpur Maidan.
Southern States: Ayudha Puja and Vidyarambham
In Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh, people perform Ayudha Puja, worshipping books, tools and instruments. Many parents also begin Vidyarambham, the ceremony where small children write their first letters. This tradition is especially close to students’ hearts.
Dussehra in Delhi
Famous Ramlila Grounds
Delhi has some of the country’s best-known Ramlila celebrations. Large crowds gather in the city’s major grounds to watch the Ravan Dahan, and local neighbourhood committees also organise events.
Local Celebrations in West Delhi
Colonies across West Delhi, including Dwarka, Uttam Nagar and Janakpuri, organise their own Ramlila shows and effigy-burning programmes. Local shops stay busy with sweets, new clothes and decorations. If you are a shopkeeper there, a good digital marketing company in Delhi can help you reach festive customers online before the season peaks.
Dussehra Traditions and Rituals
Common Rituals
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Shastra Puja: Weapons and tools are worshipped.
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Aparajita Puja: Goddess Aparajita is worshipped in the afternoon.
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Shami Puja: The Shami tree is worshipped, linked to the Mahabharata story of the Pandavas.
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Exchange of Shami or Ashoka leaves: In Maharashtra, people exchange leaves as symbols of gold and goodwill.
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Ravan Dahan: Effigies are burned in open grounds.
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Visiting relatives: People exchange greetings and sweets.
Traditional Food
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Jalebi and fafda
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Kheer and puri
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Halwa and chana
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Regional sweets such as rasgulla, sandesh and laddoo
Dussehra and Students: What to Learn
1. Learn to Research Before You Write
A good Dussehra essay needs facts: the date, the story, regional differences and the message. Always collect points first, then write. This habit is also the foundation of content writing as a career.
2. Present Your Project Beautifully
If you are making a school website or digital project on Dussehra, a clean layout makes a big difference. Learning web designing and web development can turn a simple festival project into a professional one.
3. Learn How Information Spreads Online
Every year, millions of greetings, photos and festival posts are shared online. Understanding social media optimization helps students see why some posts travel farther than others.
4. Know How Search Works
When you type “why do we celebrate Dussehra” into a search engine, the results you see are shaped by SEO (search engine optimization). Learning how it works is a useful skill for any student who wants to build a career online.
5. Think About Future Careers
India’s internet audience is growing fast in 2017, helped by affordable mobile data and the government’s Digital India push. Companies are looking for trained young people. You can explore openings on the careers page or learn the basics through digital marketing training.
Dussehra in the Digital Age (2017)
Online Greetings and Live Streams
In 2017, more people than ever share Dussehra wishes through WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram. Families living abroad watch Ramlila and Durga Puja on their phones. Technology is making the festival reach everyone.
Festive Shopping Goes Online
The Dussehra–Diwali season is the busiest shopping period of the year. Many businesses now sell through websites and apps, and customers compare prices before they buy. Businesses that invest in SEO, a professional web design and clear content writing are far more likely to be noticed during this season.
A Student’s Chance to Stand Out
Students who understand festivals, culture and the internet can build blogs, run small campaigns and earn practical experience early. If you want a clear path, the digital marketing course is a good starting point, and you can contact the team for guidance.
Dussehra Essay for Students: A Short Sample
Dussehra (150 words)
Dussehra is one of the most important festivals of India. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Ashwin. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. In 2017, it was celebrated on 30 September. People watch Ramlila, and on Dussehra evening, giant effigies of Ravana are burned. In Bengal, the festival is celebrated as Durga Puja. The festival teaches us that good always wins over evil. It also teaches us to give up pride, anger and greed. Families come together, share sweets and wear new clothes. Dussehra is not just a festival, it is a lesson in how to live. We should follow the path of truth and kindness every day.
Conclusion
So, why do we celebrate Dussehra? Because it reminds us, year after year, that truth, courage and kindness are stronger than pride and cruelty. Whether we remember Rama defeating Ravana or Durga defeating Mahishasura, the message is identical: good always triumphs over evil.
Dussehra 2017 on 30 September is a chance for every student to do more than enjoy a holiday. Learn the story, understand the meaning, and burn the “Ravana” inside you, whether it is laziness, anger, jealousy or fear of failure. Use the skills you build, from research and content writing to digital marketing, to build a bright career.
Want to keep learning? Read more on our blog, or explore a digital marketing course built for beginners. For questions, you can always reach out to us.
Happy Dussehra 2017 to all our readers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why do we celebrate Dussehra?
Dussehra is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil. It remembers Lord Rama’s defeat of Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
Q. What is the date of Dussehra in 2017?
Dussehra 2017 was on Saturday, 30 September 2017. Navratri ran from 21 to 29 September.
Q. Why is Dussehra also called Vijayadashami?
Vijaya means victory and Dashami means the tenth day. The name means “the tenth day of victory”.
Q. Why do we burn effigies of Ravana on Dussehra?
The burning is a symbol of destroying evil, ego and bad habits. It represents Rama’s victory and a promise to leave our own faults behind.
Q. What are the ten heads of Ravana?
They are commonly interpreted as ten human weaknesses, including anger, greed, pride, jealousy, ego and selfishness. Ravana was also known for his ten-fold learning and intellect, which is why he is called a great scholar who lost his way.
