With the arrival of September and October, India’s rich tapestry of diverse cultures and customs comes to life. The festival season kicks off with the renowned Dussehra, known as Durga Puja and Vijayadashami in different regions. From Gujarat to Arunachal and Himachal to Karnataka, Dussehra celebrations in India showcase the nation’s ethnic elegance over the course of ten days. Discover the unique locations and festivities that paint India in its cultural splendour below.
Dussehra is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India. It stands as one of the most prominent festivals in October. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil and unfolds over ten days, featuring captivating melas and Ramlila performances that reenact scenes from the Ramayana.
On the 10th day, the climax of Ravana Dahan takes place, culminating in the burning of effigies representing Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna. Across the country, various Ramlila grounds host melas, offering an array of food stalls, game booths, Ferris wheels, and other entertaining activities. The celebration areas are brilliantly illuminated, often attracting popular celebrities to the most renowned Ramlila venues.
Beyond these common festivities, it’s noteworthy that the reasons for celebrating Dussehra vary from one place to another, along with the unique elements incorporated into the festivities. As the stage is set for this grand celebration, let’s explore some of the most remarkable Dussehra celebrations in India.
Dussehra Celebrations: 10 Places to Celebrate in India
Here are some amazing places to celebrate Dussehra in India where you can explore the majestic festival. The celebrations are really unique and rather rare in some parts of the country which makes it all the more reason to visit. So, from north to south India – here is everything you need to know:
- Kullu Dussehra
- Delhi Dussehra
- Varanasi Dussehra
- Kolkata Dussehra
1. Dussehra Celebrations in Kullu
Surprisingly, Kullu Dussehra is a famous celebration that draws people from all over the world. It’s unique because it starts when Dussehra ends in other places. In Kullu, the festivities kick off on the 10th day of Dussehra and continue for a week. If you want to experience one of the best Dussehra celebrations in India, you should visit Kullu. This is just one way they celebrate Dussehra in North India.
The best time to visit is on the 9th day, right before the actual celebrations start on the 10th day.
Some exciting things to see during Kullu Dussehra are the historical phool yatra, an international folk festival, the Naina Devi fair, and the Kullu Fair in October. There’s also a grand procession and rath yatra on the first day, and Ramlila performances throughout the week until the effigies are burned. The folk performances by Gaddi Shepherds and the famous procession make Kullu Dussehra one of the most well-known celebrations in India.
For accommodation, you can consider staying at places like Corporates’ Orchard Park, Himalayan Hamlet Hotel, and Century Gangri.
To get to Kullu, the nearest airport is Chandigarh. Don’t be confused by outdated information that mentions Bhuntar airport; it’s no longer in operation. You can also hire a cab from Chandigarh or take state-run buses from HPTD and DTC (Delhi Tourism) or private Volvo bus services.
2. Dussehra Celebrations in Delhi
The fantastic thing about Dussehra celebrations in Delhi is that you can experience them all over the city. The main highlight is the Ramlila shows, especially at Ramlila Maidan and the Red Fort. These plays depict the story of Ramayana over the 10 days, concluding with Lord Rama defeating Ravana. Many talented theatre actors participate and entertain the crowds during this grand Dussehra celebration in India.
To get the most out of it, plan to attend for all 10 days because the Ramayana story is acted out in sequence. So, if you want to celebrate Dussehra in Delhi, be ready for a longer trip.
Various committees organize performances throughout the city, including places like Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, Lal Qila Maidan, August Park, and Madhavas Park. The festivities are enhanced by food stalls, choreographed performances, celebrity actors, the use of technology, and dazzling lights.
For a comfortable stay, consider luxury options like The Suryaa New Delhi, ibis New Delhi, Hyatt Regency Delhi, and The Lodhi.
Getting to Delhi is a breeze because it’s the capital of the country. There’s an airport with 3 terminals, 4 major railway stations, and several bus stations connecting Delhi with the rest of India.
3. Dussehra Celebrations in Varanasi
Varanasi is a very important religious place in India, famous for the Kashi Vishwanath temple. It has a rich history of traditions, and one of the oldest Ramlila performances has been held here for over 200 years. The Ramlila goes on for an entire month each year, starting with the birth of Lord Ram and ending with the defeat of the demon king Ravana.
To experience the most exciting part, you should visit on the 8th day because that’s when most of the major attractions come to life.
The celebrations take place on the banks of the Ganga river in Ramnagar. There’s a special ‘aarti‘ on the ghats where people perform ritual acts like taking a holy dip in the river, lighting incense, and offering flowers to the river. Groups of people gather to sing devotional songs and set afloat earthen lamps on the river.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider places like Wander Station Varanasi, Hotel Ganga Monastery, Palace on Ganges Varanasi, and Guleria Kothi.
Getting to Varanasi is easy because it’s a major pilgrimage centre with good rail and international airport connections. You can find buses, taxis, and other public transportation options all around the city.
4. Dussehra Celebrations in Kolkata
Durga Puja in Kolkata is a grand celebration that brings to life the age-old battle of ‘Good prevailing over Evil‘ with dance, music, food, and festivities. It’s the mother of all celebrations in Kolkata and coincides with Dussehra, making it a truly extraordinary event. The city comes alive with beautifully decorated panels, Bengali culture, and dazzling lights. In Bengali culture, this festival holds immense significance, which is why you’ll find huge gatherings, thousands of people, and an abundance of glitter during the Dussehra celebrations in India.
The best time to visit is during the last 6 days of Durga Puja, which coincide with Dussehra and take the celebrations to a whole new level.
You’ll be captivated by the various street food, traditional dances, people dressed in traditional attire, creatively decorated pandals, and the rich heritage and culture of the region during your visit.
For accommodation, you can consider staying at places like JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata, Hotel Platinum, The Park Hotel, and Calcutta Bungalow.
Getting to Kolkata is convenient because it’s the first metropolitan city built in India. It has an international airport, 3 major railway stations, and an excellent public transportation system, including the metro, taxis, cabs, and buses.
As the festive season of Dussehra approaches, these four remarkable locations in India beckon with their unique celebrations, each offering a distinct cultural experience. From the stunning Kullu Dussehra in the Himalayan foothills to the grand Ramlila performances of Delhi, the spiritual charm of Varanasi, and the cultural extravaganza of Kolkata, these festivities are a testament to the rich tapestry of India’s cultural diversity.
To make your visit even more memorable, consider using Geniefie Trip Planner to create a customised itinerary, ensuring that you don’t miss out on any of the vibrant and captivating experiences these destinations have to offer. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Dussehra Celebration and create lasting memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.
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