Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in India. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is observed differently in various regions across the country. If you’re looking for the best places to experience the grandeur of Dussehra in India, here are some top destinations to consider:
Best Places To Visit For Dussehra In India
- Mysore, Karnataka: Mysore is renowned for its grand Dussehra celebrations. The Mysore Palace is beautifully illuminated with thousands of lights, and a massive parade with caparisoned elephants, cultural performances, and the grand finale with a torchlight parade is a sight to behold.
- Kolkata, West Bengal: In Kolkata, Dussehra is celebrated as Durga Puja, and the city comes alive with artistic pandals (temporary temples) showcasing the goddess Durga. The immersion procession, or Visarjan, is a unique and colorful experience with traditional music and dance.
- Kullu, Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra is unique for its week-long celebration. The idol of Lord Raghunath is carried in a colorful procession, accompanied by music and dance. The festival also features cultural performances and a vibrant fair.
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Dussehra in Varanasi is celebrated with great religious fervor. The Ramlila, a dramatic reenactment of Lord Rama’s life, is performed with much enthusiasm. The highlight is the Ravana Dahan (burning of the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna) at various locations.
- Kota, Rajasthan: The Dussehra celebrations in Kota are famous for its unique Ram Barat, a grand procession showcasing the marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Elaborate decorations, folk dances, and cultural programs are part of the festivities.
- Delhi: The capital city of India celebrates Dussehra with enthusiasm. Major attractions include the Ramlila Maidan, where the epic of Ramayana is enacted, and the burning of Ravana effigies, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Best Places To Visit For Dussehra In India.
- Bastar, Chhattisgarh: Dussehra in Bastar is a tribal festival celebrated in a distinct and traditional manner. The Bastar Dussehra is one of the longest Dussehra celebrations in India, spanning over 75 days. It involves various rituals and unique customs that showcase the culture of the region.
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat: In Ahmedabad, Dussehra is celebrated with the Navratri festival leading up to the grand immersion of idols in the Sabarmati River. The city is known for its Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, which are an integral part of the celebrations.
- Kullu, Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra is unique for its week-long celebration. The idol of Lord Raghunath is carried in a colorful procession, accompanied by music and dance. The festival also features cultural performances and a vibrant fair.
- Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore, Karnataka: The Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysore is a prominent place to witness the religious aspect of Dussehra. The idol of the goddess is adorned and worshipped during this time, attracting a large number of devotees.
Each of these destinations offers a unique Dussehra experience, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of India. Best Places To Visit For Dussehra In India The choice of location depends on your preferences, whether you want to witness grand processions, traditional rituals, or a fusion of both. Regardless of where you choose to celebrate, Dussehra in India is a time of joy, festivities, and cultural richness.
