How Do Different States Celebrate Dussehra in India

Dussehra is one of the most significant festivals of India, also called as Vijayadashami. It is marked as the festival of victory that good takes over evil. What makes the festival even more illustrious is that it has a shared legend of Lord Rama defeating demon king Ravana as part of the basic narrative of Ramayan. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil in this world. This colorful festival is generally celebrated in the month of Ashvin, falling in September or October. Several deities in a single large procession on the way of Durga Puja celebrations to Ram Leela and Ravan Dahan Some states of India recognized the festival as Dussehra. Even the celebration style and rituals vary across India. 

Karnataka -Mysore Dasara

Karnataka is famous for its magnificent Mysore Dasara celebrations. In fact, the festival goes on for ten days and is celebrated with much grandeur and other cultural events. With a grand procession, which displays an idol of goddess Chamundeshwari placed on an elephant decorated with gold ornaments and special attire, fastens up the Mysore Dasara festival. This event marks the royal history and glory of the state and attracts people from all over India to witness this unique cultural celebration.

West Bengal - Durga Puja

In West Bengal, Dussehra is observed as Durga Puja. This is a 10-day galore celebration in color full festival, especially seen vibrantly in West Bengal where the spiritual journey begins months before and shows how they are committed with it. Pandals housing lavish idols of the goddess emerge all through Kolkata and fill the city with culture, music and artistic prowess. The idols get immersed back in the river to symbolize the goddess going back to her abode.

Gujarat – Garba & Dandiya Raas

Dussehra in Gujarat is just a riot of color and rhythm. The soul of the festivities resides within the energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, which see participants form circles adorned in vivid traditional attire, moving harmoniously to the rhythmic beats of folk narratives. This vivid and joyous festival commemorates the triumph of the divine Mother Durga over the malevolent demon Mahishasura.

Punjab - Dussehra Fairs

This dynamic harvest festival in Punjab signifies the victory of Lord Ram over the demonic force of Ravana. The celebrations include animated markets and parades highlighting the farming past of the region. A fortunate moment for people to unite, enjoy some folk renditions and gorge on delicious Punjabi dishes.

Kullu Dussehra - Himachal Pradesh

In Himachal Pradesh, the Kullu Dussehra is an elaborate seven-day extravaganza that unfolds from the day of Vijayadashami. A festival that is full of life, local gods are taken out from their nearby temples in grand processions, the main attraction being Lord Raghunath chariot beautifully adorn and it moves across town. Beyond the stunning visuals through the dozens of cultural performances makes a memorable experience for all.

Tamil Nadu - Golu Doll Displays

In Tamil Nadu, Dussehra means Golu dolls and festivity for all. These well-crafted dolls are strategically placed in special steps set up at the homes and friends and family members come to see them. Celebrations traditionally involve the giving of gifts and sweet treats, just to celebrate the festival. It is designed to be a happy occasion demonstrating liberality, creativity, and association with one another.

Dussehra, celebrated across India, beautifully showcases the diversity of cultural traditions while embodying the universal theme of good triumphing over evil. It serves as a joyous reminder of community, heritage, and the enduring spirit of victory over darkness.