Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of India’s most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals. Marking the triumph of good over evil, it commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. The festival usually falls in September or October, right after the nine-day Navratri, and is celebrated with unique rituals, grand processions, and cultural festivities across the country. While every region in India has its own flavor of Dussehra, certain cities stand out for their larger-than-life celebrations that attract travelers from around the world. Among them, Kolkata and Mysore hold a special place, offering a rare glimpse into India’s spiritual, cultural, and artistic traditions.
Dussehra in Kolkata: The Spirit of Durga Puja
In Kolkata, Dussehra coincides with Durga Puja, the city’s grandest festival. For days, the city comes alive with elaborately crafted pandals (temporary temples) showcasing breathtaking idols of Goddess Durga. Streets are adorned with colorful lights, cultural performances fill the nights, and locals dressed in traditional attire celebrate with unmatched enthusiasm.
The culmination of the festival is known as Vijaya Dashami, when the idols are taken in processions for immersion in the Hooghly River. This moment is not just spiritual but also deeply emotional, as devotees bid farewell to the Goddess. For travelers, Kolkata during Dussehra is a feast for the senses—art, food, music, and devotion merge into one unforgettable experience. Street foods like puchkas, kathi rolls, and mishti doi add flavor to the journey, while traditional dance and music performances showcase Bengal’s rich culture.
Dussehra in Mysore: The Grandeur of Mysore Palace
If Kolkata is about devotion and artistry, Mysore is about grandeur and royal tradition. The Mysore Dasara is a 400-year-old celebration that transforms the city into a hub of cultural festivities. The highlight is the illumination of the Mysore Palace, which is decorated with nearly 100,000 lights, creating a spectacular view that leaves visitors in awe.
The city hosts a ten-day festival featuring cultural programs, folk performances, and exhibitions. On Vijayadashami, the grand Jumbo Savari procession takes place, where the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant through the streets of Mysore. The atmosphere is electrifying, with dancers, musicians, and decorated tableaux adding to the vibrancy. For a traveler, witnessing this spectacle is like stepping into a living piece of Indian history, where tradition meets magnificence.
Other Destinations to Experience Dussehra in India
While Kolkata and Mysore are the crown jewels of Dussehra celebrations, several other cities in India also offer unforgettable experiences.
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Famous for its Ram Lila performances, where the story of Lord Rama is enacted in detail over several nights, culminating with the burning of giant effigies of Ravana. The ghats of the Ganges, glowing with diyas and chants, make the experience deeply spiritual.
- Delhi: The capital city is renowned for its Ram Lila performances across different neighborhoods. The festival ends with the symbolic burning of Ravana effigies at massive grounds, attended by thousands of people, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere.
- Kullu, Himachal Pradesh: Declared an international festival, the Kullu Dussehra is unique because it starts on Vijayadashami and continues for a week. Over 200 local deities are brought in colorful processions, creating a deeply spiritual and cultural environment in the Himalayan valley.
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Here, Dussehra merges with Navratri’s Garba nights, where people dressed in vibrant traditional attire dance to folk music late into the night. It is one of the liveliest ways to celebrate the season.
Why Travel During Dussehra?
Traveling in India during Dussehra offers a unique opportunity to witness the country’s cultural diversity. Each region celebrates the festival in its own way, reflecting local traditions, legends, and community spirit. From the artistic creativity of Kolkata’s Durga Puja to the regal charm of Mysore’s Dasara, the festival showcases India’s rich cultural tapestry.
For travelers, it is also a chance to go beyond sightseeing and become part of something larger—a cultural journey that connects you with history, spirituality, and community celebrations. Whether you’re walking through brightly lit pandals in Kolkata, watching elephants march through Mysore, or enjoying folk dances in Gujarat, Dussehra in India promises memories that last a lifetime.
Conclusion
Dussehra is not just a festival; it is a cultural extravaganza that binds India’s diverse traditions together in a celebration of good over evil, light over darkness. For anyone seeking to experience India’s spirit at its most vibrant, planning a trip to Kolkata, Mysore, Varanasi, or Kullu during Dussehra is a must. Each city tells its own story, weaving devotion, art, music, and tradition into an unforgettable journey. If there is ever a time to see India in its most colorful and spirited form, it is during Dussehra—a festival that continues to enchant travelers year after year.
