Dussehra is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. Dussehra is one festival that brings the entire country together in a spirit of harmony and joy. It marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with much pomp and show. If you are planning to visit India during Dussehra or living in India and planning to visit the best places to celebrate Dussehra with family and friends, here are some of the top places that you can add to your travel list:
1. Kolkata
Dussehra is known as Vijaya Dashami in Kolkata (or wherever Durga Puja is celebrated). The city turns into a massive carnival, with beautifully decorated pandals scattered around the city. The idols of Goddess Durga and her four children are brought to the river for immersion on the last day of Durga Puja. A popular tradition performed on this day involves married ladies offering vermillion and sweets to Goddess Durga before applying the vermillion to each other. This festival is celebrated with lots of singing, dancing and good food.
2. Kullu
Kullu Dussehra is known for its unique style of celebrating the festival. The entire town comes together to celebrate the occasion, with local deities being brought out and paraded around the city. The celebration of Dussehra is greatly awaited and celebrated in the Kullu valley. The week-long event is a parade of Lord Raghunath and other gods of the town on a Ratha. The Dhalpur Maidan serves as the main gathering place in Kullu.
3. Varanasi
Dussehra in Varanasi is celebrated with great religious fervour. The city is known for its beautiful Ghats, which are illuminated with thousands of lamps during the festival. People celebrate by burning the effigies of Ravana, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
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4. Mysore
One of the most popular festivals held in the city of Mysore is the 10-day Mysore Dasara, also known as the Navratri. In Mysore, the 10-day Dussehra celebration ends on the tenth day, also known as Vijay Dashmi. The Dussehra celebration in Mysore is famous for its grand procession, which begins at the Mysore Palace and culminates at Bannimantap. The procession is a grand spectacle with beautifully decorated elephants, horses, and people in colourful traditional attire. (Popular Royal Buildings And Sites In Mysore)
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5. Kota
The Dussehra Fair of Kota, popularly known as Dussehra Mela, is the most important event in the city. With 75-foot-tall effigies of the devils Meghnath, Kumbhakarna, and Ravana that are burned here on Dussehra day. People wear vibrant clothes and pray to Lord Rama. There is a colourful parade that captures the attention of people watching who come from nearby places and offers a prime opportunity for local sellers and small-scale businessmen to showcase their goods. A variety of cultural events are planned, and renowned artists from throughout the nation give spectacular performances.
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