Vijayadashami to Mysuru Dasara; here are 5 unique ways of celebrating Dussehra in India

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of the Indian subcontinent. It marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival and is observed on the tenth day of the lunar month of Ashwin, which typically falls in September or October.

Dussehra symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is most famous for the reenactment of the epic battle of Lord Rama, the hero of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, against the demon king Ravana. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and includes processions, the burning of effigies of Ravana, music, dance, and cultural performances.

Dussehra in various parts of India

Vijayadashami in West Bengal - In West Bengal, Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is known as "Vijaya Dashami" in the Bengali language. While Dussehra is celebrated across India, the way it is observed in West Bengal is unique due to the influence of Bengali culture and traditions.

The primary focus of Dussehra in West Bengal is the celebration of the victory of the Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This festival is also known as "Durga Puja" and is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in the state. The festival typically spans five days, with the most elaborate celebrations occurring on the last day, which is Vijaya Dashami.

Bastar Dussehra, Chhatisgarh - Bastar Dussehra, celebrated in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, India, is one of the most unique and culturally significant Dussehra celebrations in the country. It stands out for its distinctive rituals, traditions, and the reverence with which it is observed by the indigenous tribes of the Bastar region. Bastar Dussehra is not a one-day event but spans over 75 days. It typically begins a week ahead of the traditional Dussehra festival and continues for about ten weeks.

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Mysusru Dasara, Karnataka - Mysuru Dasara, also known as Mysore Dasara, is a world-famous, ten-day Hindu festival celebrated in the city of Mysore in the state of Karnataka, India. This grand and culturally rich festival typically takes place in September or October and is a significant and much-anticipated event in Karnataka.

The festival begins with the royal procession, where an idol of the goddess Chamundeshwari (a form of Durga) is placed on a golden throne atop an elephant and paraded through the streets of Mysore. This procession starts from the Mysore Palace and proceeds to the Chamundi Hill, where the goddess's temple is situated.

Ganga Dussehra of Varanasi - Ganga Dussehra is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in the city of Varanasi, which is located along the banks of the sacred Ganges River in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This festival marks the day when the Ganges River, considered holy in Hinduism, is believed to have descended to Earth from the heavenly realms.

Kullu Dussehra - Kullu Dussehra is a renowned and unique Dussehra festival celebrated in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India and lasts for a week. It is distinct from the traditional Dussehra celebrated elsewhere and is known for its vibrant and traditional celebrations. The festival primarily revolves around the worship of local deities. Over 200 local gods and goddesses from nearby villages are brought to Kullu in beautifully decorated palanquins.

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