The Indian festive season sets in with the Dussehra celebration in India and a series of festivities follow. This year Dussehra will be observed on 24th October 2023. Followed by fasting and feasting, this Hindu festival, also known as Vijayadashami brings a series of festivities.
For some, it is about great get-togethers while for others, it is about visiting decorated parts of the cities, jhankis, and more. Also, there are those who look forward to unique celebrations. Here are the best 5 Dussehra celebrations in India.
Top 5 Dussehra Celebrations in India
To make your festive fervor more wholesome, here are the top places for the best Dussehra celebrations in India. Merriments are ringing in.
-
Kullu
If you want to know how is Dussehra celebrated in North India, visit Kullu. A quaint hill town in Himachal Pradesh, Kullu celebrates Dussehra with vim and vigor. The Kullu Valley brightens up with vibrant colors during the festivities. Lankadahan, which symbolizes the burning of Ravana’s Lanka, marks the culmination of the festival.
The State Government considers the Kullu Dussehra as an ‘International festival, so enjoy the best of Dussehra celebrations in India when in Kullu.
Attractions
- Rath Yatra – Participate in the procession of Lord Raghunath where many idols of deities are carried on a decorated chariot led by the King of Kullu to the main ground.
- Dussehra Fair – Enjoy folk music and dance that represent Kullu’s tradition. Buy authentic handicrafts, especially the traditional Pattu patterned shawl or cap.
2. Gujarat
When it comes to the Dussehra celebrations in different parts of India, their fete can’t be ignored in Gujarat. Here, the festival has a new flavor of festivities. It looks like a scene from Bollywood – flamboyant dresses, lively music, synchronized Garba dances, and colorful lights all around. Celebrated as Navratra, the aarti of Goddess Durga marks the festival.The entire state is bathed in festive joy. It beckons one and all to partake in the nine-day-long celebrations. Get ready in your ‘Kedias’ and ‘Lehenga-cholis’ for high-energy festive fervor with the Dussehra celebration in Gujarat.
Attractions
- Garba dance – Dance to the traditional Garba music, while being clad in colorful Gujarati dresses.
- Meet your soulmate – If you are single, you might find your significant other while grooving to the music and clanking dandiyas.
3. Kolkata
You will have a different take on how is Dussehra celebrated in different parts of India in Kolkata. The city of joy – Kolkata is at the best of its glory during the sacred Durga Puja. Decor and music take over this capital city of West Bengal, jazzed up by cheerful people clad in traditional attires. To manifold the delight, dig into the lip-smacking culinary treats.Enjoy culture, literature, art, and more during the celebrations. People bid a grand bye to Maa Durga by immersing Her idol in the River Ganga. Dussehra celebrations that take place during Durga Puja mark the most appropriate time to witness Bengali culture at its best. Now, let’s see the Dussehra celebration in India through its celebration highlights in Kolkata.
Attractions
- Pandal Hopping
You can’t miss it. The experience brings you to unique and thematic pandals that have a saga of their own.
- Dance Performances
During the evening aarti, Dhaak (a drum variant), and Dhunuchi (a small mud vessel that holds fire) dances are performed. Dhunuchi is held in hand, mouth, and even balanced on the forehead. Dance steps flow on fervent Dhaak beats.
- Sindoor Khela
The last day of the puja is marked by a dramatic ceremony that symbolizes a long and joyous married life. As the name suggests, during Sindoor (vermilion) Khela (play), married women play with sindoor and smear it on each other’s faces.
4. Delhi
To partake in the best Dussehra celebration in India, visit Delhi. Dussehra in this metro city is celebrated as the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana. Religious fervor is all around with adorned temples and Ramlila performances.
Effigies of Ravana, Meghanad, and Kumbhakaran are burnt with firecrackers. Dandiya nights add fun to the celebrations. Every part of the city overflows with enthusiastic people, enjoying the festival.
Attractions
- Don’t miss out on the shows at Ramlila Maidan, the Red Fort grounds, and the Red Fort lawns.
- Go shopping in Chandni Chowk and dig into the flavors of Old Delhi street food.
You know how is Dussehra celebrated in northern parts of the country, now let’s see its celebrations in South India.
5. Mysore (Mysuru)
Marvel at 400-year-old festivities continued with the Dussehra celebration in Karnataka, South India. Locally known as Dasara, Dussehra is the 10-day extravaganza here. It is led by the royals of the city. Enjoy theme programs that center around dance, music, and local culture.It is during these celebrations that you get the authentic Indian mela feel. Gorge local food, go shopping, and take joyrides. Undoubtedly, the Dussehra celebration in Mysore Palace is something you shouldn’t miss out on.
Attractions
- Jumbo Savaari
Also called the elephant procession, the jumbo savaari is led by decorated royal elephants. The procession begins from the Mysore Palace and culminates at the Dasara parade ground.
- Illuminated Mysore Palace
Over 100,000 lights decorate it, making it a visual treat!
- Dasara Exhibition
Held at the exhibition grounds every year since 1880, This exhibition brings out the kid in you. Go for joy rides, savor local delicacies, and shop till you drop!
When is Dussehra Celebrated in India?
If you want to know when is Dussehra celebrated in India, be informed that it falls in the month of October every year. Celebrating good over evil, Dussehra is also known as Vijayadashmi. After Sita’s abduction by Ravana to Lanka, Lord Rama killed him.
Dussehra comprises two words – Dus and Ahara. ‘Dus’ means ten and ‘Ahara’ means day. Thus the celebrations are 10 days long. It also commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. Appropriately, Vijayadashmi stands for the tenth day of victory.
In Conclusion
No wonder, Dussehra celebrations in India are worth participating in. Every destination that celebrates Dussehra has its own way of treasuring it. It brings people together and binds them in unity.
After the Navratri, Dussehra sets in the festive season. Diwali fast approaches within 21 days with a series of jubilees. Cheers to great times ahead!
