From Vijayadashami to Mysuru Dasara: 5 unique Dussehra celebrations across India

Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated across India and parts of the Indian subcontinent. It marks the conclusion of the nine-day Navratri festival, observed on the tenth day of the lunar month of Ashwin, typically in September or October.

Symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, Dussehra is best known for reenacting Lord Rama's legendary victory over the demon king Ravana, as told in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. The festivities are marked by grand processions, effigy burnings of Ravana, and vibrant cultural performances, including music and dance.

Dussehra is celebrated uniquely across various 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. The focus is on Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, a celebration more commonly referred to as "Durga Puja." Spanning five days, the most spectacular celebrations occur on Vijaya Dashami, the final day.

Bastar Dussehra, Chhattisgarh – Bastar Dussehra, in Chhattisgarh, is one of the most culturally significant and unique Dussehra celebrations in India. Unlike most Dussehra festivities, it lasts over 75 days and is celebrated with elaborate rituals by the indigenous tribes of the Bastar region. The event typically begins a week before traditional Dussehra and extends for nearly ten weeks.

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

Ganga Dussehra, Varanasi – Celebrated along the sacred banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Ganga Dussehra commemorates the descent of the holy river to Earth. This festival holds deep spiritual significance and draws large crowds to the river for worship and purification rituals.

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

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