Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is celebrated across India as the day when good triumphs over evil. But here is the exciting part, the way people celebrate it changes from state to state. In some places it’s all about burning Ravan’s effigies, in others it’s about flowers, dolls, or even a 75-day-long tribal fair! The Junior Age is all set to take you on a grand tour across India and explore how every region celebrates in its own unique way.
Also, read Dussehra Special: Spiritual Meaning and Science Behind All Festival Rituals
From Mysuru To Kolkata: Know How India Celebrates Dussehra In Unique Ways:
1. Dussehra In Delhi & North India
In Delhi and across northern states, Dussehra is all about drama – quite literally!
Known as: Ramleela & Ravan Dahan
How it’s celebrated: Ramleela plays, often performed in open grounds, narrate the Ramayana over several days. On the final day, massive effigies of Ravan, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set ablaze with fireworks. It is meant to teach moral values and the victory of truth and righteousness in a community-driven spectacle.
2. Haryana & Punjab
Dussehra here focuses on worshipping the divine feminine through young girls.
Known as: Kanjak (Kanya Pujan)
How it’s celebrated: On the eighth or ninth day of Navratri, girls are invited into homes, their feet washed, and they are fed special meals like puri, halwa, and chana, and given gifts. Kanjak is done in honour of Maa Shakti, the feminine energy, and reminds society to respect and value girls.
3. Uttar Pradesh
Folk art takes centre stage in Dussehra through the creative practice of Sanjhi.
Known as: Sanjhi
How it’s celebrated: Women and children decorate walls with designs made of mud, flowers, and colours. Community prayers and folk songs often accompany this practice. Sanjhi is linked to Radha and Krishna’s love and devotion, celebrating creativity and faith.
4. Uttarakhand (Almora Dussehra)
Almora makes Dussehra a spectacle of fire and creativity.
Known as: Almora Dussehra
How it’s celebrated: Gigantic effigies of demons are built by local artisans, paraded through the town, and set ablaze with fireworks. It represents burning away evil and showcases Almora’s artistic skills, making it a major cultural festival.
5. Himachal Pradesh (Kullu)
Kullu’s Dussehra begins when the rest of India winds down its celebrations.
Known as: Kullu Dussehra
How it’s celebrated: Deities from neighbouring villages arrive in palanquins to join a week-long procession. Music, dance, and fairs add to the festive spirit. This celebrates local deities and community unity, reflecting Himachal’s unique spiritual identity.
6. Telangana
Dussehra in Telangana blossoms into a colourful flower festival.
Known as: Bathukamma
How it’s celebrated: Women and girls gather flowers like marigolds, chrysanthemums, and celosia, stacking them into tall, conical arrangements called Bathukamma. They sing folk songs, dance around these floral towers, and immerse them in ponds or rivers. The celebration symbolises nature’s beauty, honours Goddess Gauri, and thanks Mother Earth for fertility, health, and prosperity.
7. Gujarat
Navratri in Gujarat becomes the world’s longest dance festival.
Known as: Raas Dandiya/Garba
How it’s celebrated: Men and women dress in colourful costumes and perform Garba and Dandiya dances around a central lamp or goddess image. Fasting, prayers, and cultural shows add to the energy. The celebration is to honour goddess Amba (Shakti), symbolising unity, joy, and devotion.
8. Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s Dussehra mixes gratitude, prosperity, and devotion.
Known as: Dasara
How it’s celebrated: Families exchange Apta tree leaves, also called Sona, for gold-like prosperity. It honours – Kubera, the god of wealth. Giving this leaf is believed as a worship of Kubera, gratitude for wealth, and a sign of wishing his blessings on each one. It is believed – the more you give Apte leaves, the more wealth Kubera blesses you with.
9. West Bengal
Dussehra in Bengal is celebrated as the grand Durga Pujo.
Known as: Durga Pujo
How it’s celebrated: Gigantic themed pandals house stunning idols. Families offer pushpanjali, enjoy cultural programmes, and perform dhunuchi dances. On the last day, idols are immersed in rivers or lakes. Durga Pujo is celebrated to honour goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, highlights women’s strength, and serves as a cultural and social high point of the year.
10. Goa
Dussehra in Goa carries a unique Konkani flavour.
Known as: Pednechi Punav / Dasro
How it’s celebrated: Local communities stage folk theatre, hold fairs, and perform temple rituals. The festival is known for its intense spiritual atmosphere, which includes instances of spiritual possession in a distinctly colourful Goan style.
11. Karnataka Celebrates Dussehra In Two Ways
Karnataka celebrates Dussehra with a mix of royal pageantry and vibrant folk culture.
Mysuru: Mysuru Dasara
Known as: Mysuru Dasara
How it’s celebrated: Mysore Palace is illuminated with over one lakh bulbs. The grand Jamboo Savari procession carries the idol of Chamundeshwari on a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant. It is to commemorate Goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory over Mahishasura and celebrate Karnataka’s royal heritage, drawing lakhs of visitors. Folk dances, wrestling matches, music shows, and fairs add to the festivities.
Madikeri: Madikeri Dasara
Known as: Madikeri Dasara
How it’s celebrated: For ten days, mantapas (decorated floats) depict mythological and social themes. Originally a ritual to ward off evil spirits, it has evolved into a community festival, blending devotion with Kodava pride and local culture. Traditional drumming, folk music, and street performances continue late into the night.
12. Kerala
Dussehra in Kerala marks the sacred start of learning.
Known as: Vidyarambham
How it’s celebrated: Vidyarambham means Vidya – knowledge, and rambham means beginning. This signifies knowledge as the greatest blessing, invoking Saraswati’s blessings. Children write their first letters on rice, sand, or notebooks, guided by elders or priests. Often inside temples or at home, they begin with “Hari Shree Ganapathaye Namah”.
13. Tamil Nadu
Dussehra in Tamil Nadu combines temple rituals with creative home celebrations.
Kulasai Dasara
Known as: Kulasai Dasara
How it’s celebrated: At the Mutharamman Temple, devotees dress as gods, demons, kings, and mythological characters, sometimes after months of preparation. Music, dance, and rituals continue for days, drawing lakhs of devotees.
Bommai Kolu
Known as: Bommai Kolu (Tamil Nadu)
How it’s celebrated: Families set up stepped platforms adorned with dolls representing gods, goddesses, village life, or even modern scenes. Guests visit, exchange sweets, and sing devotional songs.This ritual is all about storytelling, devotion, and creativity, symbolising the presence of divinity in everyday life.
Also, know about all the Festivals of India!