Top 5 Dussehra Celebration Destinations in India

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a vibrant and widely celebrated festival in India, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. While Dussehra is observed throughout the country, certain destinations offer truly unique and extraordinary experiences during this festive season. Here are the top five places to witness the best Dussehra celebrations in India:

1. Mysuru, Karnataka: Mysuru, the cultural capital of Karnataka, hosts one of the most grandiose Dussehra celebrations in India. The magnificent Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The ten-day celebration features a vibrant procession with caparisoned elephants, traditional dancers, and musicians, making Mysuru’s Dussehra an unmatched experience.

2. Kolkata, West Bengal: Kolkata’s Durga Puja, coinciding with Dussehra, is renowned worldwide for its artistic idols and elaborate pandals. The city comes alive with intricately crafted sculptures of goddess Durga, and the streets are adorned with artistic decorations. The immersion ceremony on Vijayadashami is a pulsating experience, blending art, culture, and devotion.

3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, celebrates Dussehra with deep-rooted religious fervor. The Ramnagar Ram Leela, a month-long tradition, features the enactment of the epic Ramayana by local artists. The grand finale on Dussehra night, with the burning of a towering effigy of Ravana, is mesmerizing. Devotees gather at the ghats of the holy Ganges to witness this dramatic representation of Lord Rama’s triumph.

4. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh: In the picturesque Kullu valley, Dussehra takes on a unique and colorful twist. The week-long Kullu Dussehra festival showcases a procession of over 200 deities carried on elaborately decorated palanquins. Traditional Himachali folk dances, music, and cultural performances add to the vibrant celebration against the backdrop of Kullu’s natural beauty.

5. Bastar, Chhattisgarh: Bastar, in the tribal heartland of Chhattisgarh, hosts an indigenous Dussehra celebration known as “Bastar Dussehra.” Here, Dussehra marks the culmination of the annual crop harvest rather than the victory of Lord Rama. The festival includes unique traditions like ‘ghatuls,’ where young girls dressed as goddesses bless farmers’ tools and grains, offering a glimpse into the rich tribal culture and traditions of the region.

Re-reported article published in The Zee News