Dussehra

India’s Autumn Festival of Victory, Celebrating the Triumph of Good Over Evil

2025/10/01

Dussehra (also known as Vijayadashami) is a major Hindu festival in India’s autumn, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil by commemorating Prince Rama’s victory and Goddess Durga’s triumph.

Held at the end of Navratri, Dussehra is one of India’s most dramatic and colorful festivals. Every autumn, from the grand avenues of Delhi to the illuminated Mysore Palace and the riversides of Kolkata, millions gather to celebrate this festival of victory. Whether you are a devotee, a culture enthusiast, or a traveler, Dussehra offers a sensory journey into the heart and traditions of India.

The festival takes place on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September–October), making it perfect for anyone wanting to experience the power of myth, the joy of community, and the beauty of Indian tradition. Cities are bathed in light, the air is filled with the scent of incense and fireworks, and the lingering taste of festival sweets marks this iconic celebration of Indian autumn.

Main Attractions

Ramlila Performances & Burning of Ravana Effigies

In North India, the days leading up to Dussehra feature open-air Ramlila plays, culminating on the festival day with the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran. As dusk falls, crowds gather in parks and fields to watch fireworks and the blazing effigies. The crackling fire, cheers, and scent of burning wood create an unforgettable experience.

Mysore Dasara: Palace Lights & Elephant Parade

In Mysore, Karnataka, Dasara is famous for its illuminated palace and majestic parade. The palace glows with over 100,000 lights, and ten days of music, dance, and cultural events culminate in the Jamboo Savari elephant procession. The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant, with musicians, dancers, and guards parading through the city. The entire city is alive with light and excitement.

Durga Visarjan in West Bengal

In West Bengal, Dussehra marks the final day of Durga Puja. Beautifully adorned Durga idols are carried through the streets and immersed in rivers or ponds (Visarjan), with drumming, singing, and dancing in a farewell filled with both joy and emotion. The riverside scenes are a vibrant blend of color, faith, and bittersweet celebration.

Ayudha Puja & Garba Dances in South and West India

In South India, Ayudha Puja is held, where people decorate and worship their tools, books, and vehicles, praying for success and protection. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the end of Navratri is marked by Garba and Dandiya (stick) dances, with crowds in colorful costumes dancing late into the night to the rhythms of drums and folk music.

Costumes and Decorations

Dussehra is a festival of color and elegance. Women wear sarees or salwar kameez adorned with embroidery and jewelry, men dress in kurtas or ethnic jackets, and children don traditional attire for family photos. Homes and temples are decorated with marigold garlands, rangoli, and lights, while temples and palaces are festooned with flowers and banners.

Traditional Food & Drink

Dussehra is also a feast for the senses. Sweets like laddoo, jalebi, and halwa are prepared, alongside spicy dishes like chana masala and puri. In many regions, families break their fasts with a special meal, and street stalls offer favorites like samosas and barfi. The aromas of cardamom, ghee, and saffron fill the air.

Cultural and Historical Background

Dussehra’s origins go back over a thousand years to Hindu epics and regional legends. In North India, it celebrates the story from the Ramayana of Prince Rama defeating the demon king Ravana. In Bengal, it marks Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. In South India, it’s a time to honor tools and knowledge, reflecting the importance of learning and craftsmanship.

For many, Dussehra is a time to renew hope, forgive past wrongs, and reaffirm community bonds. The festival’s plays, parades, and rituals are living traditions that connect people to their history, faith, and each other.

Participant Voices

“Watching Ramlila in Delhi was magical. The actors, music, and fireworks as Ravana’s effigy burned-the whole city felt united in celebration.”

“I traveled to Mysore just for Dasara. The illuminated palace and elephant parade were breathtaking-like living in a fairytale.”

“In Kolkata, I joined the Durga Visarjan procession. The drums, colors, and the mix of tears and smiles as we immersed the idol-it was the most moving festival I’ve ever experienced.”

Fun Facts

Dussehra is celebrated differently across India: with Ramlila and effigy burning in the North, Durga Visarjan in Bengal, Ayudha Puja in the South, and Garba dances in the West.
Dussehra marks the final day of Navratri, a nine-night festival of dance, fasting, and prayer.

Festival Dates

Dussehra is celebrated across India on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September–October). For the most memorable experience, attend a Ramlila performance, witness the burning of Ravana, or join a local procession to feel the excitement of India’s iconic autumn festival.