From East to West: Unique Dussehra traditions across India

Dussehra, a celebration of good triumphing over evil, unfolds across India in vibrant and diverse ways. Kolkata dazzles with Durga Puja, Mysore enchants with royal processions, Gujarat pulses with Garba dances, Kullu Valley showcases unique rituals, and Telangana celebrates with floral festivities, each region inviting all to share in the joyous spirit of this timeless festival.

Vijay Dashmi, the festival of courage and victory over evil, marks the epic defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama, which is still considered holy across the nation. In the eastern region of the country, Vijay Dashmi is often celebrated as the triumph of Maa Durga over the invincible Buffalo King, Mahishasura. The main message is the victory of good over evil, and that honesty always prevails.

From the grand fairs to the burning of Ravana and the widespread prosperous celebration of Dussehra, we witness different kinds of Vijay Dashmi and create many memories. Let's have a look at this festival of courage, cherished from the mountains to the coasts of India.

1. DUSSEHRA IN EAST

As September arrives, the excitement of Durga Puja sweeps through the states of West Bengal, Odisha, and Tripura. Unlike the rest of the country, where Dussehra is closely tied to the epic of the Ramayana, in these regions, it is more about the victory of Goddess Durga over the Buffalo Demon, Mahishasura.

Preparations start months ahead, with grand pandals being set up and various cultural activities like poetry recitations, singing, dancing, and painting competitions organised. The festivities also include the joy of buying new clothes and offering a lavish bhog.

On the tenth day, married women bid farewell to Goddess Durga, performing the ritual of 'Sindoor Daan,' offering sweets, betel leaves, and prasad to the idol. They also smear sindoor (vermilion) on each other, symbolising blessings for a prosperous married life. The evening closes with the community wishing each other ‘Shubho Bijoya’ and enjoying traditional dishes like mutton biryani and mutton kosha with pooris.

2. DUSSEHRA IN MOUNTAINS

In the hilly regions, Dussehra is celebrated with rich cultural traditions and historical legacies. In the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, the festival takes on a unique charm. Dating back to the 17th century, King Jagat Singh installed an idol of Lord Raghunath (Lord Rama) on his throne during Dussehra, making Lord Raghunath the ruling deity of the Kullu Valley.

Unlike other parts of India, Kullu does not burn effigies of Ravana. The festivities begin with Goddess Hadimba being carried from her temple in Manali to Kullu, where she joins Lord Raghunath in a grand procession alongside other deities.

Cultural performances, fairs, and exhibitions take place in the Dhalpur grounds, adding to the joyous atmosphere. On the final day, a symbolic burning of bushes represents the destruction of Lanka, and the deities’ chariot is immersed in the Beas River.

3. DUSSEHRA IN MYSORE

In Mysore, Dussehra (or Dasara) is a grand spectacle, blending royal heritage with sacred tradition. Spanning ten days, the festival honours Goddess Chamundeshwari, who is said to have slain the demon Mahishasura. The highlight of the celebration is the Mysore Palace, which glows with 100,000 lights from 7 pm to 10 pm every night.

Cultural events, music, and dance performances take place in front of the palace, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. The festival culminates with a grand procession through the streets of Mysore, where an idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is paraded atop a richly adorned elephant. The festivities continue late into the night with a torchlight parade outside the city.

4. DUSSEHRA IN GUJARAT

In Gujarat, the ending of Navratri marks the festival of Dussehra, celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm, marked by fasting and devotion. Each evening, men and women dress in colourful traditional attire and gather to perform Garba and Dandiya, Gujarat’s iconic folk dances.

These festivities, accompanied by folk songs and melodies, create a mesmerising atmosphere during the final days of Navratri. Many devotees also embark on pilgrimages to sacred temples like the Ashapura Mata, Ambaji, and Chamunda Mata Temples.

5. TELENGANA'S FLORAL BATHUKAMMA

Telangana stands out for its unique Bathukamma festival during Navratri. Celebrated predominantly by women, Bathukamma is a floral festival where women create elaborate flower arrangements shaped like a temple gopuram. The name ‘Bathukamma’ translates to ‘Mother Goddess, come alive.’

This vibrant floral display is an offering to the goddess, seeking her blessings for prosperity and well-being. Celebrated according to the Shalivahana calendar, Bathukamma begins on Bhadrapada Amavasya and continues until Durgashtami.