Dussehra 2024 celebrations in India: Dussehra, also known as VijayadashamiCelebrated across India in diverse and unique ways. While many people associate this festival with the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, different regions have their own traditions and stories that are honored during this time. From tribal rituals to royal processions, Dussehra is a cultural experience that goes beyond mythology. Here are five specific dussehra festival All over India which you must see.

Mysore DussehraKarnataka

In Mysore, Dussehra marks the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura and is considered one of the biggest cultural events in Karnataka. The highlight of the 10-day festival is the royal procession, known as Jambu Savari, where the goddess is taken out in a golden howdah (a seat placed on the back of an elephant), followed by decorated elephants, horses, There are dancers and dancers. Musician.

The festival has a rich history dating back to the Wadiyar dynasty, and the royal family has been playing an important role in the celebration. The procession winds through the streets of Mysore and ends at Banni Mantap, where rituals are performed in honor of the goddess. For travellers, a visit to the Mysore Palace illuminated with thousands of lights is one of the biggest attractions.

Bastar DussehraChhattisgarh

Bastar Dussehra, celebrated in Bastar, the tribal region of Chhattisgarh, is one of the longest Dussehra festivals in the country, lasting for more than 45 days. Unlike the typical story of Rama defeating Ravana, this festival has no connection with the Ramayana. Instead, it is dedicated to the worship of Bastar’s local deity, Goddess Danteshwari, and other tribal deities. One of the most fascinating aspects of Bastar Dussehra is its connection with tribal communities, where each tribe plays an important role in the rituals of the festival. From the construction of the sacred chariot to the musical performances, each ritual reflects the unique cultural identity of the region.

Kullu Dussehra, Himachal Pradesh

Kullu Dussehra, celebrated in the picturesque Kullu Valley, is one of the most famous Dussehra festivals of Himachal Pradesh. Unlike most places where Dussehra marks the end of the festivities, in Kullu, it marks the beginning of the seven-day festivities. This festival honors Lord Raghunath (an incarnation of Lord Rama), and it brings together more than 200 deities from surrounding villages to participate in the rituals.

The deities are brought to Kullu city in decorated palanquins, but the main event of the festival is the Rath Yatra, where Lord Raghunath is taken through the city in a grand procession. Today this festival has the status of an international festival and it also sees the participation of international artists.

Vijayadashami, West Bengal

In Kolkata, Dussehra coincides with the last day of Durga Puja and is known as Vijayadashami. This festival marks the day when Goddess Durga returns to her heavenly abode after defeating the demon Mahishasura. The main attraction of Vijayadashami is the immersion of Durga idols in the river Ganga, which is done with much pomp and devotion. On this day, elaborate processions take place on the streets of Kolkata, in which the idols of Durga and her children are taken to the river for immersion. Devotees, especially women, perform a ritual called Sindoor Khela, where they offer vermillion and sweets to the goddess and then apply vermillion to each other.

Kota Dussehra FairRajasthan

In Rajasthan, the city of Kota is famous for its Dussehra fair, a grand celebration that includes both religious rituals and cultural events. The day begins with religious ceremonies held at the royal palace, where the local king and the royal family perform rituals. After the religious rituals, the royal family leads a colorful procession through the streets of Kota, leading to the fair grounds.

Also read: 10 holiday ideas from Kolkata for Dussehra holidays

The main attraction of Kota Dussehra is the burning of huge effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghnad. These effigies, often standing several storeys high, are filled with firecrackers and set on fire by the king, lighting up the night sky with fireworks and the cheers of the crowd. Apart from the effigy burning ceremony, the Dussehra fair of Kota is known for its vibrant fair, where you can explore stalls selling local handicrafts, jewelery and Rajasthani cuisine.

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