As Dussehra 2025 approaches falling on October 2 this year the Dashami Tithi begins on the evening of October 1 and continues until 7:10 PM on October 2. Two auspicious windows to carry out rituals are the Vijaya Muhurat (2:09 PM to 2:54 PM) and the Aparahan Puja Muhurat (1:21 PM to 3:44 PM). Observant devotees traditionally carry out their main puja during the Vijaya Muhurat, seeking divine favor and spiritual upliftment.

Astrologers and ritual experts offer several practices believers may adopt to draw blessings and dispel negative energies. One is the recitation of the Ramacharitamanas, which recounts the life of Lord Rama and is held in high devotion. For those unable to perform the full recitation, reading the Sunderkand a section focusing on Lord Hanuman’s journey is especially potent for resolving difficulties and attracting grace.

On this powerful day, devotees can visit Hanuman temples to offer clothes, coconuts, and sweets, acts believed to clear obstacles and protect from harm. Those under the influence of Shani (Saturn) especially during Sade Sati or Dasha periods are encouraged to visit Shani temples, light oil-diyas, and offer jaggery, black mustard seeds, and black urad dal, tying them in a black cloth and circumambulating them around the head before placing them under a sacred Peepal tree.

Another recommendation is visiting Bhairav temples to ward off negativity. There, devotees may light a four faced diya with mustard oil, and offer sweets or liquor (depending on local customs), as a means of countering evil forces and black magic. Engaging in these rituals during the designated muhurats is said to align one with positive cosmic energies and ensure lasting benefit.

Dussehra, beyond its rich mythological symbolism celebrating the victory of good over evil via Rama’s defeat of Ravana also serves as a moment to spiritually recalibrate. The practices on Vijayadashami are intended not only to bolster inner strength but also to cleanse negative influences accumulated over the year.

For believers, the combination of auspicious timing, ritual acts, and recitations makes the day especially potent. By observing these recommended practices with sincerity and devotion, one may hope for blessings in health, prosperity, peace, and spiritual harmony in the year ahead.