India has a lot of different ways to celebrate Dussehra. So, get ready to explore the 6 best places in India for some amazing Dussehra celebrations.
Updated Oct 19, 2023 | 08:22 PM IST
That time of the year is here when people in India deck up to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Also popularly known as Dussehra, the festival involves burning down Ravana effigies. Well, in different parts of the country, Dussehra is celebrated with extravagance, good food, spending time with family, wearing new clothes.
This colorful country has a lot of different ways to celebrate this festival. So, get ready to explore the 6 best places in India for some amazing Dussehra celebrations.
Mysore: Mysore transforms into a radiant spectacle, with the Amba Vilas Palace taking center stage. The festivities commence with a traditional Chamundeshwari puja atop Chamundi hills, followed by Yaduveer Wadiyar’s regal darbar. The culmination on Vijayadashami features an extravagant procession with elephants, vintage cars, floats, and torchlight displays.
Vadodara: Vadodara is renowned for its grand gatherings, where thousands of people don vibrant costumes and dance the night away to live music. The two primary dance forms, garba and dandiya (involving colorful sticks), are enjoyed throughout the state. On the final day, Vijayadashami, the festivities culminate with feasting on fafda and jalebi.
Kolkata: Everything in Kolkata comes to a standstill during Durga Pujo and all the focus is on Maa Durga, pandal hopping, good food, and spending time with loved ones. People dress up in traditional clothes and visit these displays, and there’s yummy food to try. The party ends with a parade and immersing the idols of Maa Durga in the river on the last day, which is also known as Vijaya Dashami.
Varanasi: Varanasi is known by various names and holds numerous titles. Among them is “the land of the Ramlila.” The city’s appearance becomes especially captivating during festive events, with Dussehra being a prime example. During this period, the opposite banks of the city, where the quaint village of Ramnagar is situated, come alive as they host the grand Ramlila performance. This legendary tradition, dating back over two centuries, unfolds over an entire month.
Kota: Dussehra celebrations in Kota feature a bustling fair replete with dance, music, folk performances, artisans displaying their crafts, designed to showcase Rajasthani culture and heritage. The main attraction is a lively procession from the palace to the fairground, featuring adorned camels, horses, and elephants. A distinctive feature of Kota Dussehra is the grand finale: the effigy burning of Ravana, accompanied by enthusiastic celebrations.
Kullu: While Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, is typically renowned for its lush landscapes, it unexpectedly becomes a major attraction during its distinctive Dussehra celebration. Unlike most places, Kullu’s festivities commence on the final day of Dussehra. The event kicks off with a grand procession, the rath yatra, and extends over a week. Temples’ deities from the region gather in Kullu before returning. The week features additional highlights, including the phool yatra, a grand fair, folk festivals, and, notably, the Ramlila performance, culminating in the burning of effigies.