When it comes to celebrating the victory of good over evil, no festival in India does it quite like Dussehra. With its rich tapestry of cultural diversity, this country showcases a plethora of ways to mark this auspicious occasion. Join us on a journey as we explore the best Dussehra 2023 celebration in India, from the grandeur of Mysore to the spiritual fervor of Varanasi. Get ready to be immersed in the vibrant colors, rituals, and festivities that make Dussehra a truly unforgettable experience in the land of diversity and tradition.
Best Dussehra celebration in India
Explore the grand Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India which is an iconic Indian festival, filled with vibrant traditions, cultural significance, and joyous festivities.
Ganga Dussehra
Ganga Dussehra in Varanasi is a unique celebration where devotees throng the ghats of the holy Ganges to take a dip, seeking purification and blessings. The riverbank becomes a mesmerizing sight as thousands offer prayers and light lamps, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. Ganga Dussehra is one of the famous Dussehra Celebrations in India
History: Ganga Dussehra has deep roots in Hindu mythology and marks the day when the sacred river Ganges descended to Earth. It holds immense spiritual significance.
Famous For: The festival is famous for the grand aarti ceremonies along the ghats, where thousands gather to witness and participate in the rituals.
Places to Visit: Varanasi’s Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple are must-visit places during Ganga Dussehra.
Things to Do: Take a holy dip in the Ganges, participate in the evening aarti, explore Varanasi’s ancient temples, and savor the local cuisine.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
- By Train: Varanasi Junction is well-connected to major cities.
- By Bus: Varanasi has a well-developed road network and UPSRTC runs regular bus services from nearby cities.
Also Read: Dussehra 2023: Date, History, Wishes, Vijayadashami Puja
Kullu Dussehra
Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh is a week-long extravaganza. It features colorful processions of deities from local temples, cultural performances, and fairs. The festival showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage and is a unique blend of spirituality and festivities. It is one of the must-visit Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India
History: Kullu Dussehra has a historical connection to the 17th-century idol of Lord Raghunath. It began as a royal event and evolved into a public festival.
Famous For: It is famous for its week-long festivities, processions, and cultural performances, showcasing Himachal Pradesh’s traditions.
Places to Visit: The Kullu Dussehra ground, Raghunath Temple, and Sultanpur Palace are key attractions.
Things to Do: Witness the colorful processions, explore local markets, indulge in Himachali cuisine, and enjoy folk performances.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport.
- By Train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station is the closest railhead.
- By Bus: Kullu is accessible by road from major cities and HRTC runs regular bus services from all the nearby places.
Mysore Dasara
Mysore Dasara is renowned for its magnificence. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, and a regal procession with a decorated elephant carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari through the city streets. The celebrations highlight Karnataka’s royal heritage.
History: Mysore Dasara has a royal legacy dating back to the 17th century when the Wadiyar dynasty celebrated it with grandeur.
Famous For: It is renowned for its illuminated Mysore Palace, the majestic Dussehra procession, and cultural events.
Places to Visit: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, and Jaganmohan Palace are top attractions.
Things to Do: Witness the grand procession, explore the palace, attend cultural programs, and shop for Mysore silk.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Mysore Airport.
- By Train: Mysore Junction is well-connected.
- By Bus: Mysore has good bus connectivity and KSRTC runs regular bus services from the nearby places.
Bastar Dussehra
Bastar Dussehra in Chhattisgarh is marked by unique tribal traditions. The festival involves local deities, sacred dances, and a distinctive Dussehra procession. It offers a glimpse into the tribal culture of the region and is a one-of-a-kind experience.
History: Bastar Dussehra has its roots in tribal traditions and is celebrated with unique rituals, including the ‘Mavli Parghav’ dance.
Famous For: It is famous for showcasing the rich tribal culture of Chhattisgarh and the unique Dussehra procession.
Places to Visit: Jagdalpur, the Danteshwari Temple, and the Bastar Palace are worth exploring.
Things to Do: Attend tribal dances, witness the Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India procession, and explore the local handicrafts.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur.
- By Train: Jagdalpur has a railway station.
- By Bus: Bastar is accessible by road.
Kota Dussehra Mela
Kota Dussehra Mela in Rajasthan is a blend of history and tradition. It features a grand fair with rides, food stalls, and cultural performances. The centerpiece is a procession of the city’s royal sword, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
History: Kota Dussehra Mela has historical significance linked to the city’s royal heritage and celebrates the victory of Rama over Ravana.
Famous For: The fair is famous for its grand procession featuring the city’s royal sword and vibrant festivities.
Places to Visit: City Palace, Jag Mandir, and Chambal Garden are key attractions in Kota.
Things to Do: Witness the grand procession, explore the city’s heritage, and enjoy local cuisine.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kota Airport.
- By Train: Kota Junction is well-connected.
- By Bus: Kota has good road connectivity and RSRTC runs regular bus services from all the nearby places.
Kolkata Durga Puja
Kolkata’s Durga Puja is a cultural extravaganza that transforms the city. Elaborate pandals (temporary temples) showcasing intricate artwork and stunning idols of Goddess Durga grace the streets. The city comes alive with music, dance, and artistic expressions, making it a must-visit during Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India.
History: Kolkata’s Durga Puja has been celebrated since the 16th century and has evolved into a grand cultural event.
Famous For: It is famous for its elaborate pandals, artistic idols of Goddess Durga, and cultural performances.
Places to Visit: Visit iconic pandals like Kumartuli Park, College Square, and Bagbazar Sarbojonin.
Things to Do: Explore pandals, witness cultural programs, enjoy street food, and immerse in the festive spirit.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
- By Train: Kolkata is well-connected by train.
- By Bus: Kolkata has excellent bus connectivity.
Dussehra Celebration in Different States of India
Dive into the diverse tapestry of Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India states. From Mysore’s grandeur to Kullu’s tradition, explore the unique customs and vibrant festivities that define this festival’s rich cultural mosaic.
Dussehra celebration in North India
Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various places across North India. Here is a list of some of the prominent locations where Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India are especially vibrant:
- Delhi: The national capital Delhi hosts grand Dussehra events, including the famous Ramlila performances at venues like Ram Lila Maidan and Red Fort. The burning of Ravana effigies is a major highlight of the Dussehra 2023 celebration in India.
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Ganga Dussehra in Varanasi is a spiritually significant celebration with special aarti ceremonies along the ghats of the Ganges.
- Kullu, Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra is a week-long celebration featuring processions, cultural performances, and fairs.
- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: The city of Nawabs showcases a unique blend of cultural and historical aspects during Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India, including Ramlila performances and processions.
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, celebrates Dussehra with great fervor. The city is known for its grand processions and the lighting of thousands of earthen lamps.
- Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Agra’s Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India features Ramlila performances and grand processions, adding a unique touch to the city’s historical charm.
- Almora, Uttarakhand: Almora in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand is known for its traditional and colorful Dussehra celebrations, which include processions and cultural events.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan: Jaipur’s Dussehra celebrations are marked by processions, cultural performances, and the burning of Ravana effigies at various locations in the city.
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: Shimla’s Dussehra is celebrated with enthusiasm, and it includes cultural events, fairs, and processions in the heart of the hill station.
- Haridwar, Uttarakhand: Haridwar is a spiritual hub where the Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India includes special aarti ceremonies along the banks of the Ganges and religious gatherings.
These are just a few of the many places in North India where Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India celebrated with great zeal and cultural diversity. Each location offers a unique experience, blending tradition, spirituality, and festive joy.
Dussehra celebration in South India
Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India is celebrated with fervor and regional variations in South India, with each state having its unique customs and traditions. Here’s a list of a few places in South India known for their Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India.
- Mysore, Karnataka: Mysore Dasara is one of the most famous Dussehra 2023 celebration in India. The city is renowned for its grand procession, illuminated Mysore Palace, and cultural events.
- Bengaluru, Karnataka: The capital city of Karnataka also celebrates Dussehra with great enthusiasm. You can witness Ramlila performances and the burning of effigies of Ravana in various parts of the city.
- Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala: In Kerala, Dussehra is known as “Vijayadashami.” The Kozhikode district hosts traditional processions, cultural performances, and rituals during this time.
- Mangalore, Karnataka: Mangalore’s Dussehra celebrations feature colorful processions, cultural programs, and the opportunity to witness the grand Mangaladevi Temple festival.
- Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh: The Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Mangalagiri is known for its unique Dussehra celebrations, where devotees carry a 30 feet tall Goliath made of turmeric and worship it.
- Palakkad, Kerala: The Palakkad district in Kerala hosts vibrant Dussehra celebrations with cultural events, processions, and traditional performances.
- Kollam (Quilon), Kerala: Kollam’s Dussehra festivities include cultural performances, processions, and temple rituals, making it a significant celebration in the state.
- Hampi, Karnataka: The historic town of Hampi showcases its rich cultural heritage during Dussehra, featuring traditional music, dance, and processions around the ancient ruins.
- Puducherry (Pondicherry): This Union Territory on the southeastern coast celebrates Dussehra with traditional fervor, including Ramlila performances and cultural programs.
These are just a few of the places in South India where you can experience the rich and diverse celebrations of Dussehra, each with its own cultural significance and unique traditions.
How Dussehra is celebrated in different states of India?
Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India is celebrated differently in various states of India. In North India, Ramlila performances depicting the life of Lord Rama are common, and effigies of the demon king Ravana are burned. South India is marked by the Mysore Dasara, featuring grand processions and cultural events. In the East, especially in West Bengal, Durga Puja is the highlight. In Central India, tribal regions like Bastar have unique celebrations. Each region adds its own cultural touch to the festivities.
When is Dussehra celebrated in India?
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin, which typically falls in September or October. The exact date varies each year based on the lunar calendar.
How do we celebrate the Dussehra festival in India?
Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. Common customs include attending Ramlila performances, burning effigies of Ravana, and worshipping Goddess Durga. Families exchange sweets and gifts, and it’s a time for feasting and social gatherings. In some regions, like Mysore, grand processions and cultural events are organized.
Where is Dussehra celebrated in India?
Dussehra 2023 Celebration in India is celebrated throughout India, but some notable places known for their grand celebrations include Mysore (Karnataka), Kullu (Himachal Pradesh), Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Kolkata (West Bengal), Bastar (Chhattisgarh), Kota (Rajasthan), and many others. Each region has its unique way of celebrating this festival.
