Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated across India, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. While the festival’s core meaning remains the same, each region adds its own distinct traditions and cultural flair, making it a truly diverse celebration.

1. Kolkata – Durga Puja Extravaganza

In Kolkata, Dussehra coincides with Durga Puja, honoring Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. The city is decorated with intricately designed pandals showcasing creative themes. Devotees enjoy cultural performances, traditional dances, and festive feasts, culminating in the immersion of the Durga idol. A key ritual, Sindoor Khela, sees married women applying vermilion to each other, symbolizing joy and blessings on Vijayadashami.

2. Ahmedabad – Ravan Dahan Spectacle

Ahmedabad celebrates Dussehra with grand Ravan Dahan, where effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set on fire. The event features music, dance, and cultural programs, drawing large crowds. The burning of effigies represents the victory of good over evil, making it one of the city’s most popular festive highlights.

3. Delhi – Ramlila and Ravana Effigy Burning

In Delhi, elaborate Ramlila performances dramatize the epic Ramayana. The festival concludes with massive Ravana effigies being burnt, symbolizing the defeat of evil. Delhi’s celebrations also include fireworks, fairs, and cultural events, attracting thousands of spectators every year.

4. Punjab – Devotional Traditions

In Punjab, Dussehra emphasizes worship and devotion. Devotees observe fasts, sing devotional hymns, and host Bhandaras (community feasts). The festival includes processions, prayers, and rituals honoring Goddess Shakti, blending spiritual practices with communal harmony.

5. Bastar, Chhattisgarh – Bastar Dussehra

Bastar Dussehra is a 75-day festival dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari. Tribal traditions dominate the celebrations, including symbolic transfer of power to the Diwan (chief minister), parades, dances, and rituals like Pat Jatra and Rath Yatra. The festival highlights nature-centric customs and indigenous culture, offering a truly unique Dussehra experience.

6. Chennai – Bommai Kolu

In Chennai, Dussehra is celebrated with Bommai Kolu, where families create stepped displays of dolls and figurines depicting mythological stories and everyday life scenes. The tradition is accompanied by storytelling, cultural performances, and distribution of prasadam (sacred offerings), making it a visually rich and spiritual celebration.

7. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh – Kullu Dussehra

Kullu Dussehra is a week-long festival known for grand processions, traditional music, and cultural performances. Unlike other regions, it begins on Vijayadashami and continues for several days. The local deity, Raghunath, is taken in a colorful procession, attracting tourists and devotees from across India.