As the cool autumn breeze arrives in October, it brings excitement and vibrant colours. The changing leaves create a beautiful scene, and the lively Dussehra or Vijayadashmi festival stands out with its bright celebrations. From the busy streets of Kolkata and Delhi to the peaceful areas of Himachal and the colourful festivals in Rajasthan, this ten-day celebration attracts everyone with its vibrant charm.
Curious about how Dussehra is celebrated across India? Let’s explore the unique ways this festival is observed throughout the country.
Kolkata’s Vijayadashami: The Most Spectacular Celebrations
The saying “Good triumphs over Evil” comes to life with Durga Puja. This puja is the biggest festival in this cultural hub. Vijayadashami is similar to Dussehra. This 10th day of the festival is when the idols are immersed in the Ganga River. During this time also, you will see the celebration at its peak. You’ll see beautifully decorated pandals, rich Bengali culture, and dazzling lights. The festival is deeply meaningful to the Bengali community and is celebrated with great respect. Thousands of people come together to enjoy the stunning sights and excitement of Vijayadashami in Kolkata. This makes it a truly amazing event.
Kullu Dussehra: A Captivating Celebration Like No Other
Dussehra celebrations stand out in the beautiful Kullu town. While most places finish their ten-day celebrations on the tenth day, Kullu starts its festival on that day and continues for a whole week. This makes Kullu’s Dussehra fascinating. A visit to Kullu will be great during this time if you want to experience one of the most captivating Dussehra celebrations. The town highlights northern Indian traditions that make the festival truly special.
Delhi Dussehra: Vibrant Performances Throughout the Capital
Well, the Dussehra celebrations in Delhi are special because you can experience them all over the city. The main attractions are the Ramlila performances, especially at Ramlila Maidan and the Red Fort. During the ten-day festival, these shows bring the Ramayana to life, ending with Lord Rama defeating the demon king Ravana. The large number of talented actors who entertain the crowds highlights the importance and splendour of Dussehra in Delhi.
Kota Dussehra: Experience the Authentic Rajasthani Spirit
The Dussehra fair in Kota highlights the rich traditions of the region. The large fairgrounds display local crafts, lively cultural performances, and events that capture the spirit of rural India. During the festivities, villagers in traditional clothing come to offer prayers. The celebration concludes with burning the effigies of the demon king Ravana. This marks the victory of good over evil.
Mysuru Dasara: A Festival of Legacy and Legends
Mysore Dasara, also known as Navaratri, is a grand 10-day festival celebrated with immense fervor in Mysore, Karnataka. It showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage through vibrant processions, folk performances, and the magnificent illumination of the Mysore Palace. The festivities culminate in a spectacular procession, known as the Jamboo Savari, featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional music, and dancers. Visitors from around the world flock to Mysore during this time, making it an unmissable experience. For those traveling from Bangalore, opting for a Bangalore to Mysore cabs is a convenient and comfortable way to enjoy the journey and witness the grandeur of the celebrations firsthand.
Varanasi Dussehra: Celebrated as Ganga Dussehra
Well, Varanasi is India’s spiritual heart. It is sought-after for the Kashi Vishwanath temple. It is a very important religious site. In this ancient city, traditions and rituals have been carefully maintained over time. Here, you can see some of the oldest Ramlila performances. This tradition has lasted over two centuries. The Ramlila is a dramatic retelling of the Ramayana, unfolding over a month. It draws audiences with Lord Rama’s story and his defeat of Ravana.
Winding Up
Why not plan a domestic vacation that takes you to lesser-known, yet equally captivating, Dussehra celebrations? This could be an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local customs, rituals, and festivities that may differ from the more popular destinations.
