Dasara Festival 2025: Complete Guide to India's Grand Victory Celebration
Share
Check Out All The Handcrafted Indian Traditional Board Games Here
The Dasara Festival 2025, celebrated from September 22 to October 2, marks one of India's grandest triumphs of good over evil and is a time for family, tradition, and togetherness. The festival, culminating in Vijayadashami (October 2), is rooted in the ancient epic Ramayana, where Lord Rama defeats Ravana, and in the legend of Goddess Chamundeshwari slaying Mahishasura in Mysore. Dasara or Dussehra symbolizes victory, renewal, and the rise of dharma across regions, and each day of this vibrant festival brings unique colors, rituals, and joy to millions.
What is the Dasara Festival?
Dasara, also known as Dussehra, is a pan-Indian festival that unites diverse cultures through shared beliefs and traditions. It is celebrated in various forms: in North India, as Ram Lila dramatizations and burning effigies of Ravana; in Karnataka, as a royal spectacle with processions, dances, and lit-up palaces; in Bengal, as Durga Puja.
2025’s celebrations promise grandeur, especially in Mysore, where the city dazzles with over 100,000 lights, cultural programs, and the famous Jamboo Savari procession featuring the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari atop a golden howdah.
Timings and Traditions
This year, Dasara begins on Monday, September 22, and ends with Vijayadashami on Thursday, October 2. During these ten days, families clean homes, prepare feasts, exchange gifts, and dress in their finest. Rituals include setting up Golu (doll displays), visiting temples, and participating in community events.
Why Play Traditional Board Games During Dasara?
Traditional Indian board games become a bridge across generations during Dasara. Games like Chowka Bara, Pagade, Aadu Huli Aatam (Tiger & Goat), Chausar, and Pallanguzhi feature prominently in festive gatherings, fostering bonding, mental agility, and a connection to India's rich heritage. Many of these games have roots in ancient Indian legends and are mentioned in historic texts.
- Chowka Bara: A cross-and-circle race game using cowrie shells, popular in Karnataka.
- Aadu Huli Aatam: A strategic tiger and goat hunt game, reflecting rural ingenuity.
- Pallanguzhi: A counting game from Tamil Nadu, improving concentration.
- Pagade/Chausar: Ancient dice games loved by royalty and villagers alike.
Playing these games instills values of sportsmanship, patience, and strategic thinking. They help keep children away from screens and bring meaningful, laughter-filled moments to Dasara evenings.
Expert Insights
“Throughout Indian history, festivals like Dasara have thrived on the values embedded in our traditional games—strategy, unity, and creativity. Bringing these games back into our homes during Dasara isn’t just entertaining; it keeps our heritage alive.”
— Dr. Samiksha Deme, researcher of Indian game heritage
“Chowka Bara and Tiger & Goat are more than games; they’re living metaphors for the Dasara story—the triumph of skill, wit, and righteous action.”
— Arvind Iyer, cultural storyteller and author
“Board games provide families with a chance to connect, unplug, and celebrate the real spirit of victory together.”
— Team Roll the Dice
Embracing Dasara with Roll the Dice
This Dasara, explore authentic Indian board games through curated heritage kits from Roll the Dice. Experience the victory of good over evil in every game—just as the festival celebrates—with family and friends. Recreate age-old traditions, inspire new memories, and give the gift of India’s timeless wisdom.
May the lights and laughter of Dasara inspire your family to triumph in every game of life!