Dussehra—also called Vijayadashami—falls today, Thursday, October 2, 2025, marking the symbolic victory of good over evil through Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana (and Durga over Mahishasura, in many regions). For those planning puja or attending Ravan Dahan, here are the exact auspicious timings, how to quickly find a celebration near you, Delhi’s top viewing spots, and this year’s push toward eco-friendly effigies and green crackers.
Today’s shubh muhurat (IST)
Most almanac sources converge on an Aparahna window this afternoon with a Vijay Muhurat around ~2:09 PM–2:56/2:57 PM (IST), suitable for worship and new beginnings. Check the full span of Aparahna for your city if you intend to perform rituals at home or temple. (Drik Panchang)
- Vijay Muhurat (Indicative): ~2:09 PM – 2:56/2:57 PM
- Aparahna Puja Time (Indicative): ~1:21 PM – 3:44/3:45 PM
(Use the above as guidance and verify city-specific minutes if you’re outside Delhi/NCR.) (Drik Panchang)
Note: City committees typically light the effigies after sunset, but the Vijay Muhurat is in the afternoon for puja and auspicious initiations. Live city updates and VIP attendance plans are being posted through the day. (The Financial Express)
“Ravan Dahan near me”: quick ways to locate events
- Search smart on Maps/News: Use queries like “Ravan Dahan near me”, “Ramlila ground near me”, or “Dussehra traffic advisory + ”. Delhi Traffic Police and local media publish route diversions and venue lists—handy proof points that an event is indeed happening tonight. (The Indian Express)
- Prefer public transport: In Delhi, advisories specifically urge Metro and list restricted corridors near Red Fort/Ramlila grounds from Sept 22–Oct 3. Similar advisories exist in other cities. (The Indian Express)
- Arrive early, check entry lanes: Big grounds often use barricaded queues and VIP enclosures; reaching 60–90 minutes early helps. Live blogs carry last-minute venue weather/ground alerts. (The Financial Express)
6 best places to watch Ravan Dahan in Delhi/NCR (curated)
If you’re in the capital, Times of India’s Delhi/NCR list captures the perennial crowd-pullers, including: Ramlila Maidan (Ajmeri Gate), Lal Qila/Red Fort grounds (Luv-Kush Ramlila), Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Dwarka Sector-10 DDA Grounds, Janakpuri Ramlila Ground, and Noida Stadium/Sector-62. Expect massive effigies, Ramleela performances, fireworks, and extensive food stalls. (The Times of India)
This year, Delhi committees add tech-theatrics—from 3D projections to AI-driven effects—and some are building 140–200+ ft effigies. Several organizers also emphasize “green crackers” and controlled pyrotechnics. (The Times of India)
The eco-friendly pivot: green is in
A visible 2025 shift is toward biodegradable materials (bamboo, paper, natural dyes) and green crackers to curb particulate pollution and noise, while keeping the spectacle intact. Examples span Lucknow’s “Green Ravana” build and Delhi committees publicly committing to eco-friendly pyros. Even where massive figures are planned (Dwarka, Red Fort), organizers are highlighting laser lighting and green firework mixes over traditional explosives. (The Times of India)
If celebrating at home (mini-effigies), mainstream advisories recommend small, manageable builds, open areas away from structures, a bucket/extinguisher on standby, and avoiding heavy pyros altogether. (India Today)
Getting there safely: what to know before you go
- Traffic/parking: Expect diversions around major grounds (e.g., Netaji Subhash Marg near Red Fort). Media advisories list alternate routes and parking pockets; plan Metro first. (The Indian Express)
- Peak crowd windows: 6:30–9:30 PM tends to be the densest. Reach early if you want front-row viewing or are with kids/elders. (Cross-check your local committee’s exact burn time.) (The Financial Express)
- Local rules: Follow on-ground instructions from police/volunteers; these events commonly have crane-assisted scenes and designated safety perimeters. (The Times of India)
The spirit of the day
Vijayadashami is both celebratory and reflective: banishing inner “Ravanas” (anger, ego) while seeking Aparajita/Seema Avalanghan blessings during the afternoon muhurat. Whether you perform a simple home puja this afternoon or watch the effigies burn tonight, the festival’s core remains dharma’s victory—celebrated more responsibly each year. (The Times of India)
Source highlights (for your convenience):
- Delhi/NCR venues (6 best places): Times of India list. (The Times of India)
- Muhurat & Aparahna timings: Drik Panchang; summaries in Hindustan Times/TOI. (Drik Panchang)
- Delhi event tech/scale & “green” focus: TOI city coverage, PTI/Print updates. (The Times of India)
- Live/traffic advisories: Financial Express live blog; Indian Express/ET/HT advisories. (The Financial Express)
- Eco-friendly builds & home safety tips: TOI Lucknow; India Today DIY guide. (The Times of India)
If you’d like, I can turn this into a shareable Delhi “near me” map (pins + timings + Metro stops) or a print-friendly schedule card for WhatsApp groups.