Celebrating Dussehra: India’s Iconic Festivals of Triumph and Tradition

Dussehra, celebrated on the tenth day of the Sharavan Navratri month, marks the victory of good over evil. While its core significance remains universal, regional traditions and customs lend the festival unique local flavors. Across India, Dussehra is celebrated with grandeur, cultural performances, and vibrant festivities. Here are some of the most prominent Dussehra celebrations in the country:

Mysore Dussehra, Karnataka:

Mysore, Karnataka’s cultural capital, hosts one of India’s most spectacular Dussehra celebrations. The city comes alive with elaborate decorations, ceremonial elephant processions, and dazzling performances. A major highlight is the Ambari procession, where a 780-kg idol of Goddess Durga is carried atop a decorated elephant from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap. The ten-day Navratri festival attracts both domestic and international tourists, with events like the Jambu Savari and the royal durbar being particularly mesmerizing.

Durga Puja, Kolkata:

In Kolkata, Dussehra is synonymous with Durga Puja, commemorating Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. The city transforms into a vibrant tableau of themed pandals, cultural performances, and traditional dances. On the final day, Vijayadashami, the idol of Durga is ceremoniously immersed in water, marking the conclusion of the festivities. A key highlight is Sindoor Khela, a joyous Bengali tradition where married women smear each other with vermilion.

Ravana Dahan, Ahmedabad:

Ahmedabad celebrates Dussehra with the dramatic Ravana Dahan, where effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set ablaze. Cultural performances, music, and dance accompany the event, drawing large crowds. The burning of the effigies symbolizes the triumph of virtue over vice and remains a major attraction in the city’s celebrations.

Ramlila and Ravana Dahan, Delhi:

In the national capital, expansive Ramlila performances recreate episodes from the Ramayana. These enactments culminate in the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, symbolizing the defeat of evil. The festivities are accompanied by fireworks and cultural programs, attracting thousands of spectators.

Bastar Dussehra, Chhattisgarh:

Bastar in Chhattisgarh hosts a unique 75-day Dussehra dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari. Tribal rituals, traditional dances, and ceremonial processions highlight the festival. Symbolic transfer of authority to the Diwan (chief administrative figure) is a distinctive feature. The celebrations integrate local tribal cultures, chariot processions, and the worship of regional deities, reflecting a deep connection with nature and ancestral traditions.

From Mysore’s royal pomp to Bastar’s tribal rituals, India’s Dussehra celebrations offer a captivating blend of spirituality, cultural heritage, and communal festivity—showcasing the country’s rich diversity in commemorating the eternal triumph of good over evil.