India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, and one of the most vibrant and exciting festivals celebrated here is Dussehra. Also known as Vijayadashami or Durga Puja, Dussehra marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey to explore some of the best places to witness the grandeur of Dussehra celebrations across the country. From the iconic Mysore Dussehra in the south to the vibrant Ramnagar Dussehra in the north, we will delve into the rich traditions, their cultural significance, and the best ways to reach these enchanting destinations.
1. Ayodhya
In Ayodhya, Dussehra is celebrated every year according to the ritual calendar in autumn. The most representative Ramlila are those of Ayodhya, Ramnagar, Benares, Vrindavan, Almora, Sattna, and Madhubani. The staging of the Ramayana is based on the Ramacharitmanas, one of the most popular storytelling forms in the north of the country. This sacred text devoted to the glory of Rama, the hero of the Ramayana, was composed by Tulsidas in the sixteenth century in the form of Hindi to make Sanskrit epic available to all. The majority of the Ramlilas recount episodes from the Ramacharitmanas through a series of performances lasting ten to twelve days, but some, such as Ramnagar, may last an entire month.
How to Reach
Ayodhya is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Faizabad Airport, which is about 7 km from the city center. The Ayodhya railway station is well-connected to major cities in India. The city is also well-connected by road.
2. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Kullu in Himachal Pradesh is famous for its week-long Dussehra celebrations, which attract thousands of tourists every year. The festival begins with the arrival of Lord Raghunath, the presiding deity of the valley, in a beautifully decorated chariot. The main highlight of the event is the procession of deities from various temples, accompanied by music and dance performances. The festival concludes with the burning of a huge effigy of Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
How to Reach
Kullu is well-connected by road, and the nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, which is about 10 kilometers away from the city center. The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar, which is about 120 kilometers away.
3. Mysore, Karnataka
Mysore is known for its grand Dussehra celebrations, which have been a part of the city’s tradition for centuries. The main attraction of the festival is the procession of the royal idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, carried in a beautifully decorated golden palanquin, accompanied by music, dance, and cultural performances. The city is illuminated with thousands of lights, and the Mysore Palace is adorned with intricate decorations during this time.
How to Reach
Mysore is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Mysore Airport, which is about 10 kilometers away from the city center. The city has its railway station, and regular trains connect it to major cities in India.
4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, is another great place to experience the grandeur of Dussehra. The city is known for its unique Ram Lila performances, which depict the life and adventures of Lord Rama. The festival culminates with the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The Ganga Aarti, performed on the banks of the river Ganges, is also a major attraction during this time.
How to Reach
Varanasi is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, which is about 24 kilometers away from the city center. The city has its railway station, and regular trains connect it to major cities in India.
5. Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata is famous for its grand Durga Puja celebrations, which are a major highlight of the city’s cultural calendar. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various forms, and the city is transformed into a vibrant hub of art, music, and cultural performances during this time. The main attraction of the festival is the beautifully crafted and intricately decorated pandals, in which the idols of the goddesses are worshiped. The city also hosts various competitions, including the famous Durga Puja Pandals and Idols Competition.
How to Reach
Kolkata is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 10 kilometers away from the city center. The city has its railway station, and regular trains connect it to major cities in India.
6. Kota, Rajasthan
Kota in Rajasthan is known for its unique Dussehra celebrations, which include the Ravan Dahan, a grand event where effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna are burnt. The city also hosts various cultural programs, including music and dance performances, during this time. The Dussehra fair, held near the Kishore Sagar Lake, is another major attraction for tourists.
How to Reach
Kota is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Kota Airport, which is about 7 kilometers away from the city center. The city has its railway station, and regular trains connect it to major cities in India.
7. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad in Gujarat is famous for its unique Dussehra celebrations, known as the Ravan Dahan. The city hosts one of the largest Ravan Dahan events in India, where a 60 feet tall effigy of Ravana is burnt, accompanied by fireworks and music performances. The festival also includes various cultural programs, including dance and music performances, and the city is illuminated with thousands of lights during this time.
How to Reach
Ahmedabad is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 11 kilometers away from the city center. The city has its railway station, and regular trains connect it to major cities in India.
8. Bastar, Chhattisgarh
Nestled in the heart of central India, Bastar in Chhattisgarh offers a truly exceptional and offbeat experience to celebrate Dussehra. This region is known for its rich tribal heritage and a Dussehra celebration that is deeply rooted in these traditions. The festival showcases the vibrant culture of the tribal communities in Bastar.
One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of this celebration is the reverence for nature. Tribes offer prayers to trees and forests, emphasizing their deep connection with the environment. The atmosphere is charged with energy as traditional dance forms like Bison Horn Dance and Muria Dance take center stage, adding to the festival’s vibrancy.
How to Reach
Bastar is well-connected by road. You can take a road trip from Raipur to Bastar, which is approximately 250 kilometers and takes around 5-6 hours.
Delhi
Delhi is the capital city of India and is known for its grand Dussehra celebrations. The festival is celebrated for ten days and is known as Ramlila. The main attraction of the festival is the enactment of the scene from the Ramayana, which culminates in the burning of the effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna. The festival also includes cultural programs, music, and dance performances.
How to Reach
Delhi is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is the main airport in the city, and there are regular flights from major cities in India and abroad. New Delhi Railway Station is the main railway station in the city, and there are regular trains from major cities in India. The city is also well-connected by road.
Conclusion
Dussehra is a time of joy, celebration, and the triumph of good over evil. These nine places in India offer unique and vibrant experiences to witness the grandeur of this festival. Whether it’s the week-long celebrations in Kullu, the royal procession in Mysore, or the unique Ravan Dahan in Ahmedabad, each destination has its own charm and cultural significance. So, plan your visit to one of these places and immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Dussehra.
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