By Simran Jeet | Sep 24, 2025 | 6:22 PM
**What’s the Story Behind Dussehra?**
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival, which commemorates Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura. While the core essence of Dussehra remains the same across the country, celebrations vary regionally, with each area adding its own unique cultural traditions and festive flair.
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### #1 West Bengal
In West Bengal, Dussehra coincides with the final day of Durga Puja, known as Vijayadashami. On this day, beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in rivers or lakes, symbolizing her return to her heavenly abode. The festival is marked by vibrant cultural programs, dance performances, and music.
Married women partake in the traditional Sindoor Khela ritual, where they apply vermilion to each other as a gesture of joy and prosperity, adding to the festive spirit.
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### #2 Karnataka
Mysuru, Karnataka, hosts one of India’s grandest Dussehra celebrations. The Mysuru Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a spectacular sight. The highlight is the royal procession called the Jamboo Savari, featuring elephants carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari.
The city buzzes with cultural performances, exhibitions, and fairs during this time. This century-old tradition continues to attract visitors from around the world, showcasing Karnataka’s rich heritage.
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### #3 Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley, Dussehra is celebrated with great enthusiasm for seven consecutive days. A grand procession winds through the town, with villagers carrying idols of local gods and goddesses to the main ground.
Lord Raghunath is the central deity of the festival, and villagers from surrounding regions participate with deep devotion, filling the valley with festive joy and fervor.
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### #4 Ahmedabad, Gujarat
In Ahmedabad, Dussehra is celebrated as Navratri, where people enthusiastically engage in *garba* — the state’s famous folk dance — throughout the nine days. Men wear traditional kedias, and women don colorful lehenga cholis.
Dancers move rhythmically to traditional songs, often playing with sticks called *dandiya*. The city bursts into life with devotion, music, and vibrant costumes, making it one of the festival’s most lively celebrations.
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### #5 Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, Dussehra is dedicated to worshipping Goddesses Lakshmi, Durga, and Saraswati. Married women visit each other’s homes exchanging gifts such as kumkum, bangles, coconuts, betel leaves, betel nuts, and money.
The festival is brought to life with various temple rituals and spiritual ceremonies, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s rich cultural traditions.
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### #6 Kerala
In Kerala, Dussehra places special emphasis on education and learning through the worship of Goddess Saraswati. Students place their books before her idol for two days, along with offerings like jaggery, sugarcane, and roasted paddy.
On Vijayadashami, a special puja is conducted before the books are retrieved. Vehicles, domestic animals, and musical instruments are also blessed during the festival, reflecting its deep spiritual and cultural significance.
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Dussehra’s diverse celebrations across India beautifully reflect the country’s cultural richness, united by the timeless theme of good triumphing over evil. Whether through grand processions, joyous dances, or solemn worship, the festival continues to inspire millions every year.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/how-dussehra-is-celebrated-in-different-parts-of-india/story
