Dussehra across India: 7 must-visit places where the festival comes alive in unique ways

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a pan-Indian festival symbolising the victory of good over evil. While the core theme remains consistent, regional traditions and customs bring unique flavours to the celebrations. From grand processions to intimate rituals, each state showcases its rich cultural tapestry during this auspicious occasion

In Kolkata, Dussehra coincides with Durga Puja, a grand celebration honoring Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. The city is adorned with intricately designed pandals, each depicting a unique theme. Devotees engage in cultural performances, traditional dances, and feasts, culminating in the immersion of the idol on the final day. One important ritual of this is Sindoor Khela which is a joyful and poignant Bengali ritual performed by married women on Vijayadashami, the last day of Durga Puja, where they apply vermilion (sindoor) to each other's faces.

Ahmedabad celebrates Dussehra with the grand spectacle of Ravan Dahan, where effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set ablaze. The event is accompanied by cultural performances, music, and dance, drawing large crowds. The burning symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is a major highlight of the city's festivities.

In Delhi, Dussehra is marked by elaborate Ramlila performances, reenacting scenes from the Ramayana. These performances culminate in the burning of massive effigies of Ravana, symbolising the destruction of evil. The celebrations are accompanied by fireworks, cultural programs, and fairs, attracting thousands of spectators.

The Dussehra festivals of Punjab are strongly tied to worship. The followers also fast, sing devotional melodies during Jagraatas (night vigils) and arrange Bhandaras (community feasts). It is commemorated with the worship of Goddess Shakti and processions and prayers in different areas of the state.

In Chhattisgarh, there is the unique Bastar Dussehra that takes 75 days. The celebrations are dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari and they comprise tribal ceremonies, such as transfer of power to the Diwan (chief minister) in a symbolic manner. The ceremony includes parades, conventional dances and veneration of ancient weapons. The festival features rituals like Pat Jatra and a grand Rath Yatra and showcases deep respect for nature and earth-centric traditions, incorporating elements of indigenous tribal cultures and local deities.

Dussehra is celebrated in Chennai with the practice of Bommai Kolu where families use stepped platforms to exhibit dolls and figurines. Such exhibits represent different themes, such as mythological narratives and scenes of everyday life. The tradition is also accompanied by cultural performances, storytelling and distribution of prasadam (sacred offerings).

Kullu Dussehra, celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, is a week-long festival famous for its vibrant processions, traditional music, and cultural performances. Unlike other regions, it begins on Vijayadashami and continues for several days. The local deity, Raghunath, is taken in a grand procession, attracting tourists and devotees from across India.

The various celebrations that are practiced during Dussehra in India illustrate the rich Indian culture. The major idea of good overcoming evil is always the same, but geographic customs and traditions introduce some spices to the celebrations. It can be the pomp of Kolkata Durga Puja or the simplicity of Punjab, Dussehra brings the country together in its values and festivals.