SHARDIYA NAVRATRI 2023: We’re getting closer to the month when celebrations are in full swing. Dussehra is a festival celebrated with grandeur in some cities. It’s a 10-day festival in October, observed in different parts of the country. This year Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, will be celebrated on October 24. Dussehra symbolizes the triumph of Goddess Durga over the mythical demon Mahishasura and also Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana in other Hindu tales. During this festive time, the country comes alive with delicious food, festive attire, and wonderful music.
Many people like to celebrate Dussehra by travelling to various destinations, but the cost can be a deterrent. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available today that make it easier to participate in the festival in different cities without breaking the bank.
Durga Puja, West Bengal
In Kolkata, which is famous for its Durga Puja celebrations, Dussehra is called Vijaya Dashami. This day marks the culmination of Durga Puja, where the idols of Goddess Durga and her four children are taken to the river for immersion. Among the various rituals observed, the most beloved involves married women offering vermilion and sweets to Goddess Durga and playfully applying vermilion to each other.
In Kolkata, a grand procession carries the deities to the Hooghly River, often witnessed from boats, making it a spectacular sight.
Ramlila Maidan, Delhi
Delhi is undeniably one of the best places in India to experience Dussehra. The city comes alive with Navratri, a nine-day celebration. During this period, Delhiites embrace a vegetarian diet, and you will find theatre actors engrossed in dramas portraying the life of Lord Ram and his triumph over Ravana.
For the most renowned Ramlila performances, Ramlila Maidan in Old Delhi is the place to be. On Dussehra, effigies of Ravana are set ablaze, and the city rejoices in the festivities.
Mysore Dasara, Karnataka
In Mysore, Karnataka, they celebrate Dasara, which is the city’s most renowned festival. Mysore Palace, adorned with brilliant illumination, transforms into a magical sight at night. The royal family worships the goddess within the palace before she embarks on a majestic procession. During this procession, known as jamboo savari, the goddess is placed on a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant.
This grand spectacle features elaborate floats, captivating musical and dance performances by various artists, enactments of local folklore, adorned elephants, horses, and more. Additionally, there’s a bustling fair held at the Exhibition Ground across from the palace, featuring cultural and sporting events throughout the 10-day festival.
Ramnagar Ramleela, Varanasi
Varanasi has long been a favourite destination to experience the joy of Dussehra. As one of India’s oldest cities, it boasts a time-honoured Ramlila tradition performed alongside the historic Ramnagar Fort, a practice dating back to the 1800s, called Ramnagar Ki Ramleela.
The fort’s premises are transformed into stages that depict key locations from the Ramayana story, including Ayodhya and Lanka. As the actors shift from one location to another to enact the epic tale, the audience follows along, making it an immersive and captivating experience.
Kota Dussehra Mela, Rajasthan
Kota, a city in Rajasthan, is famous for its vibrant Dussehra Mela. On the auspicious day of Dussehra, religious ceremonies kick off in the royal palace in the morning. Subsequently, the king and other members of the royal family embark on a colourful procession to the fairground.
Towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnad await, and the king inaugurates the festivities by setting these effigies ablaze. The firecrackers hidden within them burst, illuminating the night sky. This celebration is accompanied by a grand fair, which even includes a cattle fair. The Kota municipality adds to the festivities with cultural performances.
Visitors can explore local handicrafts and savour delicious regional cuisine at this lively fair.
Bathukamma, Hyderabad
Bathukamma is a vibrant festival that aligns with Navratri and kicks off on Mahalaya Amavasya, concluding on Durgashtami. Following this, the Boddemma festival begins, lasting for 7 days. Boddemma signifies the transition from the monsoon season to autumn.
It commences with the worship of Lord Ganesha and involves the creation of beautiful flower arrangements. Women come together to dance around these colourful flower displays, adding a joyful and celebratory spirit to the occasion.
Bastar Dussehra, Chattisgarh
Even though it’s called Bastar Dussehra, this festival isn’t about the tale of Ram defeating Ravana. This 75-day festival and fair are primarily held in honour of Goddess Danteshwari, who is considered the protector deity of the tribal region of Bastar in Chhattisgarh, along with other divine beings.
According to local history, this festival dates back to the 15th century when King Purushottam Deo of the Kakatiya dynasty returned from a pilgrimage to Puri in Odisha. Bastar Dussehra involves numerous rituals, such as chariot processions, the visit of various deities to Jagdalpur, gatherings of tribal chieftains, and thanksgiving ceremonies.
If you plan to attend, the nearest airport is in Raipur, less than 300 kilometres away by road from Jagdalpur.
Kullu Dussehra, Himachal Pradesh
During Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh, something remarkable happens in Kullu town, not far from Manali, about 40 kilometres away. Here, all the prominent deities from the region gather to pay their respects to Lord Raghunath. This unique festival spans seven days, commencing on Dussehra. The deities make their way to Kullu in grand palanquins, and they camp at the Dhalpur Maidan.
Some of these deities travel from distant and remote areas, with the entourage consisting of palanquin bearers, musicians, priests, and other attendants covering the journey over several days, often on foot. Kullu town becomes immersed in a festive atmosphere, hosting a grand fair at the Dhalpur Maidan.
Here, you can relish cultural performances and shop for locally crafted handicrafts, particularly the famous caps and shawls of Kullu. It’s advisable to book accommodation in advance because Kullu Dussehra attracts a significant number of visitors from both within the country and abroad.
Bastar Dussehra, Chattisgarh
Bastar, located in Chhattisgarh, has its own unique way of celebrating Dussehra. It’s known for the famous Dandakaranya jungles, the same place where it’s believed that Lord Rama spent part of his exile. In Bastar, Dussehra isn’t a short event; it extends for a remarkable 75 days.
During this extended celebration, various tribes perform different pujas and pay homage to Goddess Danteswari. These festivities offer a glimpse into the rich tribal culture of this charming town.
You’ll witness intriguing spectacles like possessed individuals, bug chariots, and people swinging comfortably on beds of thorns, making the Bastar Dussehra an unforgettable experience.
Barara, Haryana
Barara, a quiet and lesser-known town in Haryana, takes centre stage during Dussehra. This town has already earned its place in the Limca Book of Records for igniting the tallest Ravana effigy worldwide. Each passing year, they add more inches to the record. In 2013, Barara made headlines for burning a 200-foot-tall Ravana, which grew to 215 feet by 2015. If you are looking for a unique Dussehra celebration, Barara is a must-visit destination. It’s located approximately 80 kilometres from Chandigarh.
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