Ayudha Pooja & Vijayadashami,Dussehra 2025

3 mins read

Last updated : 05-09-2025

Celebrating Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadashami – Honoring Tools and Triumph of Goodness

Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadashami (also known as Dussehra) are two of the most spiritually vibrant festivals celebrated during the Navaratri season in India, especially in Tamil Nadu. Observed on the 9th and 10th days of Navaratri, these days hold deep religious, cultural, and symbolic meaning. While Ayudha Pooja is dedicated to the worship of tools, books, and instruments, Vijayadashami marks the victory of good over evil—the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, and Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.

In Tamil homes and temples, these festivals are celebrated with rituals like cleaning and decorating vehicles, Vidyarambham (initiation into learning), and Saraswati Pooja. From farmers to school children, everyone joins in expressing gratitude for their tools, knowledge, and the divine blessings that guide their journey.

What is Ayudha Pooja?

Ayudha Pooja, also called "Worship of Instruments," is celebrated on the ninth day of Navaratri. It is a day when people revere the tools, machinery, books, and vehicles that support their work and livelihoods.

• Professionals worship tools of their trade—farmers their ploughs, students their books, and artists their instruments.
• Vehicles and machinery are cleaned, decorated with sandalwood, turmeric, and flowers.
• The essence lies in recognizing that every tool we use is a divine extension helping us progress in life.

Celebrating Ayudha Pooja in Tamil Nadu

• Cleaning and decorating homes, workplaces, and vehicles.
• Drawing Kolams and offering prasadam like sundal, payasam, and vadai.
• Schools and factories declare a holiday, and businesses often distribute sweets to employees and customers.

What is Vijayadashami?

Vijayadashami or Dussehra, the 10th day after Navaratri, is a day of victory—symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

• Commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, and Lord Rama over Ravana.
• It’s an auspicious day to begin new ventures, start learning (Vidyarambham), or resume paused work.

Vijayadashami Traditions & Dussehra festival

• Educational Institutions hold special poojas and begin new admissions, especially for young children.
• Children are initiated into writing for the first time, starting with the sacred word "Om".
• Cultural programs, story-telling, and Ramayana reenactments are common in temples and community halls.

How Dussehra is Celebrated

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals celebrated across India. It marks the triumph of good over evil, symbolized by the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s defeat of Mahishasura.

Falling on the 10th day of Navaratri, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, cultural performances, and deep-rooted traditions.

• In North India, Dussehra commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, signifying the triumph of dharma over adharma.
• In Eastern India, especially in West Bengal, it's celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, marking the end of Durga Puja, when Goddess Durga returns to her heavenly abode after defeating Mahishasura.

Dussehra in 2025 India

In 2025, Dussehra (Vijayadashami) will be celebrated on october 2nd 2025, bringing together communities in joy, prayer, and festivity.

1. Effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna are burnt in open grounds, symbolizing the destruction of evil.
2. Ram Leela performances depict scenes from the Ramayana and are staged in towns and villages.
3. In Tamil Nadu and South India, Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadashami are observed with rituals of gratitude and new beginnings.
4. Schools initiate Vidyarambham, where young children begin their education with divine blessings.

Ayudha Pooja & Vijayadashami 2025 | Best timings | Rituals

Vijay Muhurat - 02:09 PM ; Aparahna Puja Time - 01:21 PM ; Dashami Tithi Begins - 07:01 PM ; Shravana Nakshatra Begins - 09:13 AM