Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike
To the auspicious Mother who fulfills every noble aim, we bow to you, O Narayani.
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Tuesday, October 20
Puja Schedule
* Schedule is tentative and subject to change. Final timings will be updated closer to the event.
What Is Dussehra?
Dussehra, known in Odisha as Dasahara and Vijaya Dashami, falls on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin. It celebrates victory itself: Maa Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura and Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana. It is the day for Aparajita Puja to the undefeated Goddess, blessing of tools and books, and new beginnings made under a victorious sky.
Two Stories, One Victory
After nine days of battle, Maa Durga destroyed the demon Mahishasura on the tenth day and restored the gods to heaven. On the same tenth day, Lord Rama, having prayed to the Goddess for strength, defeated the ten-headed Ravana in Lanka and freed Sita. Two stories meet on one day with one message: however powerful evil seems, dharma wins in the end.
Durga Puja in Odisha
Dasahara Across Odisha
In Odisha, Dasahara closes the Puja season in grand style. In Cuttack, the Goddess in her silver and gold medhas is carried out in a glittering bhasani procession for immersion, with music and crowds lining the streets. Across towns, Ravana Podi, the burning of Ravana’s effigy, lights up the evening sky, and families exchange Vijaya greetings and seek blessings from elders.
In Puri, on Dasahara, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are adorned in the royal Raja Besha, a reminder that the Lord of the Universe shares in this day of victory.
Why Children Love Dussehra
Dussehra is a story children already know: a brave prince, a loyal Hanuman, a ten-headed villain, and a happy ending. In Odisha, children wait all year for the Ravana Podi, cheering as the effigy goes up in flames, and many place their books and pencils before the Goddess on this day to be blessed for their studies. Those memories stay for a lifetime.
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Celebrated Every Year at Sri Jagannath Temple, Chicago
Every year, our temple family brings the spirit of Odisha’s Dasahara to Chicago. Grandparents, parents and children gather side by side for the Vijaya Dashami Puja, Aparajita Puja, Aarti, bhog and prasad, Vijaya greetings and bhajans sung together. Everyone in the community is welcome.
Aparajita Puja
Aarti
Bhog & Prasad
Bhajans
📍 Sri Jagannath Temple, 2295 Church Rd, Aurora, IL 60502
🙏 Book an Archana
Reserve an Archana or special puja for your family as part of this celebration.