Dussehra 2023: Top 10 Destinations You Must Visit To Witness Vibrant Dussehra Celebrations In India

Dussehra 2023: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the biggest and most important festivals celebrated by Hindus across the country. The festival is celebrated every year on the tenth day of Shukla Paksha of Ashwani month which according to the Gregorian calendar falls either in the month of September or October.

The word Dussehra derived from the Sanskrit words dasha (ten) and hara (defeat) is one of the most important religious festivals in India and has special significance in Hinduism. According to mythology, on this day Lord Sri Ram killed Lanka king Ravana, and Goddess Durga killed demon king Mahishasura after nine nights and ten days of fight and saved the deity and the earth from his tyranny.

Dussehra celebration | Photo: BCCL

In 2023, the festival of Dussehra will be celebrated on Tuesday, 23 October 2023. The festival of Dussehra marks the end of Navratri and For many people, Dussehra marks the beginning of the preparations for Diwali, which is a festival of lights that celebrates the victory of good over evil. In 2023, Diwali will be celebrated on Sunday, November 12th.

The festival season begins with the festival of Dussehra, also called Durga Puja and Vijayadashami in various regions of the country. From West Bengal to Himachal to Delhi, Dussehra 2023 in India showcases its rich cultural traditions over ten days. In this article, we'll explore some of the best places where it's celebrated and the unique ways they observe this festival, so keep reading to experience India's diverse culture.

Here are the top 10 best places to celebrate the festival of Dussehra 2023 with your friends and family

1. Kolkata, West Bengal

best places to celebrate the festival of Dussehra 2023 | Photo: Unsplash

Dussehra in West Bengal, known as "Vijaya Dashami," is a joyful festival celebrated with great enthusiasm. People immerse idols of Goddess Durga in the holy Ganges river after 10-day worship, symbolising her triumph over evil. Crowds gather at pandals (decorated tents) to witness cultural performances, like dances and music. Families exchange sweets and gifts, and children fly colorful kites. The fragrance of incense fills the air, and traditional Bengali sweets like 'sandesh' and 'rosogolla' are savored. It's a time for unity and joy as people bid farewell to the goddess, marking the victory of good over evil.

2. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

best places to celebrate the festival of Dussehra 2023 | Photo: Wikipedia

In Kullu (Valley of Gods) also known as Kulanthapitha, Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra is a grand celebration. Kullu Dussehra became an international event in 1972 and is attended by approximately 400,000 to 500,000 people from around the world. The highlight is the week-long fair. Colourful processions with deities from nearby villages are carried on beautifully decorated chariots. The local people, dressed in traditional attire, join in with joy. At the end of the week, the idols are immersed in the Beas River. Cultural programs, folk dances, and music fill the air, creating a festive atmosphere. People also shop for local crafts and delicious Himachali food. Dussehra in Kullu is a time of togetherness, tradition, and merriment, attracting tourists from all over to experience this unique celebration.

3. Mysore, Karnataka

best places to celebrate the festival of Dussehra 2023 | Photo: Mysoredasara

Royal Celebration of the festival of Dussehra in Mysore, Karnataka is adorned with colorful lights and decorations. The highlight is the procession of a beautifully decorated elephant carrying an idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The Dussehra festivities in Mysore started at 9 a.m. on Monday, October 15, 2023, and the big finale, known as Vijayadasami Day, happens on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Two major highlights on the last day are the Jamboo Savari and the Torchlight Parade. Thousands of people around the world gather to witness this spectacle. The Mysore Palace is illuminated, creating a mesmerising sight. Traditional music and dance performances fill the air with joy. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is a time for family gatherings and feasting on delicious treats. It's a time when Mysore comes alive with cultural fervor and a strong sense of unity.

4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

best places to celebrate the festival of Dussehra 2023 | Photo: BCCL

In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Dussehra is celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm by Hindus. People gather at the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the grand Ramlila, a dramatic reenactment of Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana. The city streets come alive with processions featuring colorful idols of deities, horses, and music. On the final day, the effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna are set ablaze, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Families exchange sweets and gifts, and it's a time for feasting on delicious local delicacies. Varanasi's Dussehra is a vibrant, communal celebration that brings people together in joy and unity.

5. Delhi

best places to celebrate the festival of Dussehra 2023 | Photo: BCCL

Dussehra in Delhi is a joyous festival celebrated with much enthusiasm. People gather at Ramlila grounds to witness the reenactment of Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, complete with colorful costumes and music. The highlight is the burning of huge effigies of demon king Ravana along with the effigies of his son Meghnad, and brother Kumbhakaran, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Families exchange sweets and gifts, and children enjoy fair rides and delicious street food. Temples are beautifully decorated, and prayers are offered to seek blessings. In the evening, fireworks light up the sky, creating a festive atmosphere. Dussehra in Delhi unites people in the spirit of unity and positivity.

6. Kota, Rajasthan

best places to celebrate the festival of Dussehra 2023 | Photo: BCCL

Dussehra in Kota, Rajasthan is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Thousands of people gather at the city's famous Dussehra Mela ground, where a grand fair takes place. The highlight is the Ravana Dahan, the burning of huge effigies of demon king Ravana his son Meghnad, and brother Kumbhakaran, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Spectacular fireworks light up the night sky, and traditional folk dances and music performances entertain the crowd. Families exchange sweets and gifts, and children play with colorful toys. It's a time for unity, happiness, and the sharing of joy with loved ones, making it a memorable occasion in Kota. You can explore handmade crafts from the area and try out the local food at the event.

7. Ahmedabad, Gujarat

best places to celebrate the festival of Dussehra 2023 | Photo: Indianeagle

In Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Dussehra is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm. People come together to watch vibrant processions and Ramlila performances. The highlight is the burning of huge effigies of the demon king Ravana, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Families exchange sweets and gifts, and women apply colorful sindoor (vermilion) on each other's foreheads. Traditional dances, music, and delicious snacks like dhokla and fafda add to the festive spirit. It's a time for unity, prayers, and the triumph of Lord Rama's righteousness, making Dussehra a cherished celebration in Ahmedabad. During Dussehra, you should consider visiting Sabarmati Ashram, Adalaj Stepwell, Bhadra Fort, Vastrapur Lake, and Sri Swaminarayan Mandir. Don't forget to try delicious dishes like fafda and jalebi while you're there.

8. Hyderabad, Telangana

best places to celebrate the festival of Dussehra 2023 | Photo: Revv

Dussehra in Hyderabad, Telangana is a grand celebration of good over evil. The city comes alive with colorful processions and events. People gather to watch the famous Ravan Dahan, where huge effigies of the demon king Ravan are set ablaze, symbolising the victory of Lord Rama. Families exchange sweets, visit temples, and dress in traditional attire. Thousands of people enjoy the vibrant fairs and delicious street food. It's a time for unity, as people from all backgrounds come together to mark this joyous occasion. Dussehra in Hyderabad is a blend of tradition, culture, and happiness that everyone eagerly looks forward to. The best places to visit in Hyderabad during the Dussehra are, Bathukamma, Birla Mandir, The local bazaars of Hyderabad, Shilparamam

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9. Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

best places to celebrate the festival of Dussehra 2023 | Photo: BCCL

Dussehra in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is a vibrant celebration where people come together to honor Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. The city buzzes with excitement as locals build enormous effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna, which are later set ablaze in the evening. Families visit fairs, enjoy traditional sweets like jalebi and samosas, and exchange gifts. The Ram Leela, a theatrical retelling of the epic Ramayana, draws large crowds. Women decorate their homes with colourful rangoli, and children fly kites. Dussehra, marked by fireworks and fervor, unites the community in rejoicing in the triumph of good over evil. Kanpur hosts a splendid Dussehra festival famous for its cultural significance. They burn an effigy of Ravana at Phool Bagh ground, and then there's a fantastic fireworks show, making it one of India's top cities for Dussehra celebrations.

10. Nashik, Maharashtra

best places to celebrate the festival of Dussehra 2023 | Photo: BCCL

Dussehra in Nashik, Maharashtra, is renowned for its grand Dussehra celebrations! People gather at the city's famous Ramkund Ghat to immerse idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Laxmana in the Godavari River. The ten-day festival features processions, cultural events, and colorful Rangoli decorations. The highlight is the "Ravan Dahan," where a massive effigy of the demon king Ravana is set ablaze, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Families exchange sweets, and kids enjoy fair rides. It's a time of joy, devotion, and unity, bringing together people from all walks of life to mark the triumph of righteousness.

These are some of the best destinations to celebrate Dussehra in India, each offering a unique and vibrant experience that reflects the rich cultural and religious diversity of the country. Enjoy the festivities, delicious food, and the sense of unity that Dussehra brings to these destinations.

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