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Dussehra Celebrations 2025: From Mysuru’s grand Dasara to Bastar’s tribal festivities, Dussehra will showcase India’s cultural richness through rituals, effigies, and processions.
Dussehra 2025: From Kolkata to Bastar, Dussehra reflects India’s diverse cultural traditions. (AI generated image)
Dussehra Celebrations In India 2025: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil. It marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. The festival is celebrated on the tenth day of Ashvin in the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in September or October. This year, Dussehra will be observed on Thursday, October 2.
According to Drik Panchang, the Dashami Tithi begins at 7:01 PM on October 1 and ends at 7:10 PM on October 2, with the most auspicious muhurta between 2:05 PM and 2:53 PM. On this day, devotees across India participate in prayers, rituals, and cultural events. It is also a compulsory public holiday, with all government offices and banks closed.
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Let us take a look at how Dussehra is uniquely celebrated in different cities of India.
Dussehra 2025: Vijayadashami Celebrations Across Indian Cities
Delhi
The capital celebrates Dussehra with large-scale Ramlila performances at places like Ramlila Maidan and the Red Fort grounds. The main attraction is the burning of massive effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna. Almost every neighbourhood organises its own Ramlila, giving Delhi a festive atmosphere throughout.
Mysuru, Karnataka
Known as Mysuru Dasara, this royal festival has been celebrated since the 16th century by the Wadiyar dynasty. The 10-day event culminates on Vijayadashami with grand processions featuring decorated elephants, traditional music, and cultural performances. Today, it is not only a religious festival but also a major tourist attraction.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
In Varanasi, the Ramnagar Ramlila is the highlight of Dussehra. Declared by UNESCO in 2008 as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” this month-long play depicts the life of Lord Rama. The entire city turns into an open-air stage, ending with the burning of Ravana’s effigies.
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Kullu Dussehra is one of the grandest celebrations in the country, reportedly drawing nearly half a million people every year. Declared an international event in 1972, it begins on Vijayadashami with colourful processions of local deities on decorated chariots. The festivities last a week and end with the immersion of idols in the Beas River.
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
As the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya hosts one of the most iconic Dussehra celebrations. The city is beautifully decorated, and towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna are set ablaze in front of huge crowds. Millions of devotees visit Ayodhya during this time, making it a truly special celebration.
Nashik, Maharashtra
In Nashik, people gather at the Ramkund Ghat to immerse idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana in the Godavari River. The 10-day festival includes processions, cultural programs, and the burning of Ravana’s effigy, symbolising the eternal victory of good over evil.
Kota, Rajasthan
Kota’s famous Dussehra Mela is a mix of religious rituals and cultural activities. The highlight is the burning of gigantic effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad, which are often several stories tall and filled with firecrackers. The spectacular fireworks display draws thousands every year.
Bastar, Chhattisgarh
Bastar Dussehra stands out as it has little connection to the Ramayana. Lasting over 45 days, this tribal festival is dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari and other local deities. It is a celebration of tribal unity, featuring unique customs, folk music, and dance, making it one of the most distinctive Dussehra celebrations in India.
Vijaya Dashami, West Bengal
In Kolkata, Dussehra coincides with the grand finale of Durga Puja and is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami. The day marks Goddess Durga’s return to her heavenly abode after defeating Mahishasura.
The highlight is the immersion of Durga idols in the Ganges, accompanied by elaborate processions and heartfelt devotion. One of the most popular rituals is Sindoor Khela, where married women apply vermilion to the goddess and then smear it on each other, symbolising blessings and good fortune.
Southern India
In southern states, Dussehra, also known as Dasara, takes on a distinct cultural form. Families set up Bommai Kolu, a decorative step arrangement of dolls and idols representing various deities, which is taken down on Vijayadashami.
Temples and streets come alive with vibrant processions, where jewel-bedecked elephants carry the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Effigies of demons are also burnt, while the entire region glows with lights, decorations, and celebrations devoted to Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga.
About the Author
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience, known for his in-depth coverage of events and festivals, as well as his expertise in SEO-driven content at News18.com. A tech-savv…Read More
Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience, known for his in-depth coverage of events and festivals, as well as his expertise in SEO-driven content at News18.com. A tech-savv… Read More
October 02, 2025, 06:19 IST
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