From Vijayadashami to Mysuru Dasara: 5 Unique Dussehra Celebrations Across India

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated throughout India and parts of the Indian subcontinent. It marks the conclusion of the nine-day Navratri festival, celebrated on the tenth day of the lunar month of Ashwin, usually in September or October.

Dussehra symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is best known for the reenactment of Lord Rama's legendary victory over the demon king Ravana, as recounted in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. The celebrations are marked by large processions, the burning of Ravana effigies and lively cultural performances including music and dance.

Dussehra is celebrated in unique ways in different regions of India:

Vijayadashami in West Bengal – Known as “Vijaya Dashami” in Bengal, this version of Dussehra is deeply rooted in Bengali culture and tradition. It focuses on the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, a celebration commonly referred to as “Durga Puja”. The most spectacular celebrations take place for five days on Vijaya Dashami, the last day.

Bastar Dussehra, Chhattisgarh – Bastar Dussehra in Chhattisgarh is one of the most culturally significant and unique Dussehra festivals in India. Unlike most Dussehra festivals, it lasts more than 75 days and is celebrated with elaborate rituals by the indigenous tribes of the Bastar region. The event usually begins a week before the traditional Dussehra and lasts for almost ten weeks.

Mysuru Dasara, Karnataka – Mysuru Dasara, a world-renowned festival in Mysore in Karnataka, is a ten-day celebration of grandeur and tradition. The festival takes place in September or October and begins with a royal procession with the goddess Chamundeshwari, who is carried through the streets on an elephant on a golden throne. The procession starts from Mysore Palace and ends at Chamundi Hill, where the temple of the goddess is located.

Ganga Dussehra, Varanasi – Ganga Dussehra is celebrated on the holy banks of the Ganges in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh and commemorates the descent of the holy river to earth. This festival has deep spiritual meaning and attracts large crowds to the river to take part in worship and purification rituals.

Kullu Dussehra, Himachal Pradesh – Kullu Dussehra, celebrated in the Kullu Valley, is a week-long festival characterized by its emphasis on the worship of local deities. Over 200 gods and goddesses from surrounding villages are carried to Kullu in ornate palanquins, making this Dussehra celebration a vibrant and traditional affair, different from those elsewhere in India.

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