Dussehra Delight: Best Celebration Places to Visit City-wise in India
Dussehra Delight: Best Celebration Places to Visit City-wise in India
India’s diverse culture and rich traditions come alive during Dussehra, a festival that marks the victory of good over evil. From grand processions to elaborate rituals, each city celebrates Dussehra in its unique way. Let’s explore the best places to experience Dussehra city-wise in India.
1. Mysore, Karnataka
Mysore Dasara is renowned for its grandeur. The Mysore Palace dazzles with thousands of lights, and the city hosts a grand procession featuring decorated elephants, camels, and cultural performances.
2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
In the spiritual heart of India, Dussehra is celebrated with unique fervor. Thousands gather on the ghats of the Ganges to witness the famous Ravan Dahan, the burning of a colossal effigy of the demon king Ravana.
3. Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata’s Dussehra, known as Vijaya Dashami, is the culmination of the grand Durga Puja. The immersion of intricately crafted idols of Goddess Durga in the Hooghly River is a sight to behold.
4. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The Kullu Dussehra is a week-long event, featuring a massive procession of deities carried in palanquins, traditional music, and dance performances.
5. Delhi, National Capital Territory
Delhi celebrates Dussehra with grand processions featuring effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna. The event at the iconic Ramlila Maidan is a must-see.
6. Kota, Rajasthan
Kota’s Dussehra is known for its artistic and gigantic effigies of Ravana, making it a visual delight for visitors.
7. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Dussehra in Ahmedabad is marked by vibrant garba and dandiya events, and the city hosts a parade showcasing the diverse culture of Gujarat.
8. Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata’s Dussehra, known as Vijaya Dashami, is the culmination of the grand Durga Puja. The immersion of intricately crafted idols of Goddess Durga in the Hooghly River is a sight to behold.
9. Bastar, Chhattisgarh
Bastar, a captivating region in Chhattisgarh, India, is a place of unique cultural significance. It’s well-known for its indigenous tribal communities and their vibrant traditions. Bastar celebrates Dussehra in a distinct and mesmerizing way, making it a noteworthy destination for travelers.
The Dussehra festival in Bastar, often referred to as ‘Bastar Dussehra,’ is a tribal extravaganza that lasts for about 75 days. It’s one of the longest Dussehra celebrations in the world. During this extended celebration, various tribal communities from the region come together to honor Devi Maoli, their local goddess.
The festivities include traditional music, dance, and rituals that provide an immersive experience into the local culture. One of the most striking elements of Bastar Dussehra is the depiction of the local deities in their palanquins, carried by the local tribes in grand processions. These processions are accompanied by the beating of drums, the sound of traditional instruments, and colorful tribal attire.
In the heart of Bastar, Jagdalpur, and other towns, you can witness the local artisans’ craftsmanship in creating unique, beautiful wooden idols and traditional art forms. These art forms are central to the Dussehra celebrations and depict various deities and tribal legends.
Bastar Dussehra is not just a festival but a testament to the region’s rich tribal heritage. It provides an opportunity for travelers to connect with the indigenous culture, interact with local communities, and partake in a truly immersive and unique celebration that is a far cry from the grandeur of some other Dussehra celebrations in India. Bastar, with its distinct traditions and cultural significance, is a hidden gem for those seeking an offbeat and culturally enriching travel experience.
10. Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
The Kanakadurga Temple hosts a mesmerizing floral festival during Dussehra, and the city witnesses a grand procession.
11. Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysore
Apart from the Mysore Palace celebrations, the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hill hosts a unique and spiritual Dussehra event.
12. Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Madurai’s Dussehra, known as Navaratri, is celebrated with vibrant processions, traditional music, and the spectacular Jallikattu (bull-taming) events.
Each of these cities offers a distinctive way to celebrate Dussehra, providing an opportunity to witness the rich cultural heritage and traditions of India. Whether you prefer the grandeur of Mysore or the spiritual experience in Varanasi, Dussehra is a time when the entire nation unites in celebrating the triumph of good over evil.
