A stunning example of unity in diversity, here’s where the best of Dussehra festivities take place all around India.

 

It’s that time of the year again – the good shall vanquish the evil and celebrations in the name of holy gods and goddesses be commenced. 

 

Also called Vijayadashmi, the festival of Dussehra is usually a nine-day fiesta that is held with much fervor and excitement all across India. While the ten-headed behemoth Ravana is burnt down to ashes in the North, the South sees a grand foray of devotees worshipping the goddess Lord Durga. 

 

Unique yet united, glimpse at the different parts of India that celebrate victory over evil in their best grandeur and tradition:

 

DELHI

 

Dussehra is a significant festival up north where thousands of people come together to celebrate the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. The Kanya Puja is renowned here where the nine avatars of Goddess Durga are worshipped. In honor of the same goddess, bhandaras are arranged all across the city where free food is distributed between everyone. The main theme of Dussehra becomes the famous Ram Lila that depicts the epic of Ramayana in unique ways on each stage in the city.

 

KOLKATA

 

Dussehra in Kolkata is a glory of its own with Durga Puja, as it is called in West Bengal, carried out in full flavor. People are dressed in all sorts of bright traditional clothing while the streets are crammed with native culinaries and beautiful religious music. Dhunuchi dance is performed at the aarti while the Sindoor Khela is a mini Holi with women smearing each other with red sindoor. The last day bids goodbye as Ma Durga is immersed in the holy River Ganga.

 

MYSORE

 

Mysore’s Dussehra is one of the most wonderful celebrations seen in the country. Locally called Dasara, the festival spans across ten days with the city devoured in religious and traditional adornments. Goddess Chamundeswari, the one who killed demon Mahishasura, is honored by the entire city with elephant rides, programs, songs, and dance performances. The Mysore Palace is illuminated in a grand fashion with bright bulbs lit on each day of the festival – making it the highlight of Dasara here.

 

GUJARAT

 

The enthusiasm in Gujarat can be felt in the very air as Dussehra comes to life with men and women fasting and performing pujas everyday. Evenings are the most fascinating as people clad in bright traditional clothing enjoy Gujarat’s beloved folk dances Dandiya and Garba. The temples are another sight to behold like the Ambaji Temple and Chamunda Mata Temple where people are crammed with devotion and excitement. 

 

ORISSA

 

In Orissa like most southern parts, it’s the epic victory of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasura that becomes the purpose of celebrating Dussehra. Preparations for the extravaganza begin months before with pandals being set up and cultural programs being organized already. Come November, the pandals are serving traditional sweet delicacies and the entire city is dancing with ecstasy. Rituals like Sindoor Dan are performed as well as offerings to Ma Durga with sweets and betel leaves. The festivity comes to an end with people enjoying a grand feast of biryanis and more. 

 

KULLU

 

Dussehra arrives here with a pot full of unique customs and ideologies. Devotees on their heads carry sculptures of gods and goddesses to Dhalpur where they stay with Lord Ragunath till the very end of the festival. There is also a tradition of setting a pile of bushes on fire which is believed to depict the burning of Lanka. Traditional performances, exhibitions and fares add to the excitement of Kullu’s celebrations.

 

VARANASI

 

Revelries in Varanasi take a new turn altogether. You’ll be dazzled by the Bengali-styled Puja that happens by the Ganga as it involves fire, performances, chants, and amazing views of some thousands of people gathered to witness the holy ceremony. One of the other notable features of the celebration here include the Ram Lila plays inspired by Delhi and Durga Puja that is home to Kolkata’s spirit. 

 

Bound in different beliefs and faiths, Dussehra is memorable for bringing these variety of traditions come together as one big celebration.