Dussehra or Vijayadashami - Why Do We Celebrate It?

Navratri, culminating with Dussehra, is a cultural festival of great importance and significance for all. It is a festival that is all about the goddess. In Karnataka, Dussehra is about Chamundi, in Bengal it is about Durga. Like this, it is about various goddesses in different places, but essentially it is about the feminine goddess or the feminine divinity.

Dussehra - The Tenth Day of Celebration

Navratri is replete with symbolism about vanquishing evil and wanton nature, and reverence for all aspects of life and even for the things and objects that contribute to our wellbeing. The nine days of Navratri are classified as per the three basic qualities of tamas, rajas, and sattva.

The first three days are tamas, where the goddess is fierce, like Durga and Kali. The next three days are Lakshmi-related – gentle but materially oriented goddesses. The last three days are dedicated to Saraswati, which is sattva. It is related to knowledge and enlightenment.

Vijayadashami - The Day of Victory

Investing in these three will make your life in a certain way. If you invest in tamas, you will be powerful in one way. If you invest in rajas, you will be powerful in a different way. If you invest in sattva, you will be powerful in a completely different way.

But if you go beyond all this, it is no longer about power, it is about liberation. After Navratri, the tenth and final day is Vijayadashami – which means you have conquered all these three qualities. You did not give into any of them, you saw through every one of them.

You participated in every one of them, but you did not invest in any one of them. You won over them. That is Vijayadashami, the day of victory. This brings home the message of how being in reverence and gratitude towards everything that matters in our lives leads to success and victory.

Dussehra - Devotion and Reverence

Of the many things that we are in touch with, of the many things that contribute to making and creating our lives, the most important devices that we employ in making a success of our lives are our own body and mind.

Being in reverence towards the very earth that you walk upon, towards the air that you breathe, the water that you drink, the food that you eat, the people that you come in touch with, and everything else that you use, including your body and mind, will lead us to a different possibility as to how we can live.

Being in a state of reverence and devotion towards all these aspects ensures success in every endeavor we partake in.

Significance of Dussehra in India

Dussehra in India is celebrated with great vigor and festivities by the Hindus. It is one of the best festivals in October in India. The festival marks the victory of good over evil. The 10-day-long celebration includes melas and Ramlila – an enactment of the scenes from Ramayana.

On the 10th day, the scene of Ravana Dahan is enactment. This is followed by the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna. The melas are held at various Ramlila grounds across the country and include food stalls, game stalls, Ferris wheels, and other fun activities. The celebration areas are lighted up brightly and even popular celebrities make appearances at the most popular Ramlila spots.

Amidst all the commonalities, the less known fact is that reasons for Dussehra celebrations differ from one place to another, and so do the elements. As the stages are being set for the most pompous festivities, we now bring to you the best among the best Dussehra celebrations in India.

10 Places to Celebrate Dussehra in India

Here are some amazing places to celebrate Dussehra in India where you can explore the majestic festival. The celebrations are unique and rare in some parts of the country, making it all the more reason to visit. So, from north to south India – here is everything you need to know:

Kullu Dussehra: Fascinating as it Gets

Surprising as it may seem, Kullu Dussehra has earned a big name among people looking for exceptional celebrations around the globe. Kullu is one of the best places to visit in Dussehra.

Even for India, the celebrations in Kullu are a little different as they start when the revelers in other states are heading home after the 10-day-long festivities. Celebrations in Kullu start on the 10th day of Dussehra and it goes on for a week. To witness the best Dussehra celebration in India, visit Kullu. It is just one of the ways the Dussehra celebration in north India takes place.

Best Days to Visit During Dussehra: Since the actual celebration starts on the 10th day, it is ideal to arrive here by the 9th day. For Dussehra, do reach Kullu before the 9th day.

Key Attractions: Events during Kullu Dussehra celebrations make it one of the most happening Dussehra in India. Historical phool yatra, international folk festival, Nainadevi fair, and Kullu Fair in October are some of the well-known events to look out for. Procession and rath yatra on the 1st day and Ramlila throughout the entire week till the burning of effigies are other major attractions.

The Folk performances of Gaddi Shepherds; and of course, the famous procession make it one of the most famous Dussehra in India.

Almora Dussehra: Burn the Parading Demons

Almora celebrates Dussehra with a vengeance. The locals take revenge upon the demons of Ramayana. The locals make statues of all the bad characters or villains from Ramayana and parade them across.

Almora is one of the best places to visit during Dussehra and you must add it to your list. The parade ends in an open area where the statues are burned to ashes. Effigies of the entire Ravana clan are burned down by the locals. The procession is accompanied by hundreds of people with music bands and decorations, which is a spectacle to behold.

Best Days to Visit During Dussehra: The 10th day is the best as the festival is grand at this time. The burning of the entire clan is a sight you might not come across in any part of India.

Key Attractions: The Ramlila happening across all 9 days of the festival, a musical drama with preparations that took place 2 months ago, several clubs stage Ramlila performances including the renowned “The Hukka Club”

Delhi Dussehra: Performances Across the Capital

The best part of Dussehra celebrations in Delhi is that they can be witnessed anywhere in the entire city. The highlight of all the celebrations is the Ramlila shows held most notably at the Ramlila Maidan and Red Fort.

The plays enact the story of Ramayana across the 10 days and ends on the final day with Lord Rama killing Ravana. A huge participation of theater actors who get to perform and entertain the crowd can be seen during the Dussehra celebration in India.

Best Days to Visit During Dussehra: The event must be attended for all 10 days as the story of Ramayana is acted sequentially. Therefore, plan for a long trip if you want to celebrate Dussehra in Delhi.

Key Attractions: Several notable committees organize performances across the city at Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Lal Qila Maidan, August Park, and Madhavas Park. The food stalls, choreographed performances, celebrity actors, use of technology, and glitz lights add glam to the celebrations.

Varanasi Dussehra: Also, Popular as Ganga Dussehra

Varanasi is one of the most important religious places in India renowned for the Kashi Vishwanath temple. Traditions have been followed in this city throughout the years. And here is where you will discover the oldest Ramlila performances now running for more than 200 years.

The Ramlila takes place for a whole month every year which starts with the incarnation of Lord Ram and ends with the demon king Ravana’s death

Best Days to Visit During Dussehra: Most major attractions ramp up in the last 3 days hence it is ideal to visit on the 8th day.

Key Attractions: The festivities take place on the banks of the Ganga River in Ramnagar. A special ‘aarti’ takes place in the ghats. People gather with specific ritual acts like taking a holy dip in the river, lighting incense, and offering flowers to the river. The people gather in groups to sing devotional songs and flow earthen lamps in the river water.

Kota Dussehra: Get the Local Rajasthani Feel

The traditional attractions are visible at the Dussehra fair in Kota. The huge fair is accompanied by artisans, cultural performers, and programs that make you feel the essence of rural India.

The villagers from around the city dress up in traditional costumes to offer prayers to the lord. And obviously, effigies of Ravana are burned to mark the end of the festival. The fair is situated alongside the Kota Adventure Festival, held on the Chambal River. You can also explore some of the best places near Kota on your way to observe this festival.

Best Days to Visit During Dussehra: The last 3 days are special to the event and add a certain sparkle. So, plan accordingly!

Key Attractions: An enthralling procession from the Royal Palace to the fairground that has animals like horses, camels, and elephants decorated. The fair has immense opportunities to have fun – with rides, food, mini-games, and other attractions.

Kolkata Dussehra: The Grandest Celebrations

The time of the year when ‘Good prevails over Evil’ comes very much alive with dance, music, food, and celebrations in Kolkata. Durga Puja or Durga Pooja is the mother of all celebrations in Kolkata.

Coinciding with Dussehra, the celebrations are above par. Witness all the decorated panels, the Bengali culture, and the glorious lighting. The festival is celebrated with absolute importance as in the Bengali culture, this triumphs just anything. This is why you will see huge gatherings, crowds of thousands, and glitter all around while observing the Dussehra celebration in India.

Best Days to Visit During Dussehra: The last 6 days of Durga Puja coincides with Dussehra and it is this time when the celebrations come to a new level.

Key Attractions: The various street food, the dance and people wearing traditional wear, the outstanding creativity of the decorated pandals, and the rich heritage and culture of the region will engross you over your visit.

Bastar Dussehra: A Unique Celebration of Tribals

Dussehra in India is most uniquely and weirdly celebrated in Bastar, Chattisgarh. It is very important in the region but does not relate in any way to the triumphant return of Lord Rama. Dussehra in Bastar is dedicated to the local goddess. It is one of the longest festivals in the world which runs for 75 long days. It is also one of the best things to do in Raipur if you find yourself there during the season.

Best Days to Visit During Dussehra: The 13th day of the bright moon in September and the day after Dussehra in October

Key Attractions: The region’s tribes dressed brightly in traditional attire, rare rituals that intrigue you like a youth buried shoulder-deep in a pit for nine days, a massive chariot pulled by 400 people, and energetic dancing, drumming, and celebrations surround the place.

Coorg Dussehra: The Madikeri Dasara

Coorg, one of the best hill stations in South India is another popular destination for tourists to visit to celebrate the Dussehra festival. Also known as Madikeri Dasara, celebrations start with traditional and ritualistic karaga folk dances.

The rituals are dedicated to Goddess Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas. The celebration takes place the entire night of the 9th day to welcome the final 10th day. Preparation for the Madikeri dasara starts 3 months in advance and locals participate in this 100-year-old tradition.

Best Days to Visit During Dussehra: The 9th and 10th days are the most auspicious and take over the levels of celebrations.

Key Attractions: Displays of local artists in a crazy parade, hi-tech mechanical figures of gods, goddesses, and demons, the blast of dance and music through loudspeakers, and the procession that runs through the entire town.

Dasara in Mysuru: A Grand Event

“Nadahabba” or the state festival of Karnataka, Mysore Dussehra is a famous Dussehra in India and has been there for 400 years. The region hosts this festival as a celebration of the victory of the goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura.

The 10-day-long festival starts on the first day of Navratri and culminates on the tenth day when the royal procession follows a decorated elephant carrying the idol of the worshipped goddess. The lighting of the Mysore palace and the involvement of the royal family are popular attractions during Dussehra in Mysore. It is one of the biggest Dussehra Mela in India you have ever seen.

Best Days to Visit During Dussehra: The last four days of the 10-day long festival. For Dussehra, it’s ideal to land in Mysore on 15th October and witness the grand affair.

Key Attractions: The illuminated Mysore palace is a delight to the eye while the cultural programs inside the palace are equally cherishing at Mysore Dussehra. The grand procession, march pasts, tableaus, dances, and martial arts performances are once-a-lifetime experiences. Jumbo Savaari or the elephant procession where the decorated royal elephants lead the procession.

Kulasekarapattinam Dussehra: The Kulasai Dussehra

Dussehra is celebrated uniquely in the not-so-known village of Kulasekarapattinam, located in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. The Kulasai Dussehra festival as it is known is celebrated in the Mutharamman temple, which is about 300 years old and dedicated to Goddess Kali.

The celebration requires the pilgrims and devotees to dress up in the form of gods and goddesses of their choice. The devotees then channel Goddess Kali’s spirit and dance throughout the night.

Best Days to Visit During Dussehra: The festival is as auspicious as the story of Ramayana. The village celebrates in the best way possible and so, the last 8 days are one of the best to visit Kulasekarapattinam.

Key Attractions: The slaying of the demon Mahishasura is theatrically done on the beach. It’s a sight you would not want to miss. The beach is decorated amazingly, so you can taste local food, enjoy the rides, and watch the drama unfold!

Celebrate Dussehra with Joy & Love

Traditionally, in Indian culture, Dussehra was always full of dances, where the whole community mixed, met, and mingled. But because of external influences and invasions over the past two hundred years, we have lost that today. Otherwise, Dussehra was always very vibrant.

Even now it is still so in many places, but it is being lost in the rest of the country. We have to bring it back. The Vijayadashami or Dussehra festival is of tremendous cultural significance for all who live in this land – irrespective of their caste, creed, or religion – and should be celebrated with gaiety and love.