For Hindus, Dussehra is a very significant holiday because it reminds us that good always triumphs over evil. Two wonderful stories are honoured with the celebration of the festival.
In the Ramayana, after his wife Sita was abducted, Lord Rama battled the evil king Ravana. On Dussehra, Rama finally vanquished Ravana after a prolonged struggle, proving that goodness and morality always prevail in the end.
The goddess Durga vanquished Mahishasura, a demon. Since this also occurred on Dussehra, the day is dedicated to honouring the strength of virtue and bravery in the face of evil.
In India, people celebrate Dussehra with immense joy. In certain regions, people worship Goddess Durga, and in others, they burn large models of Ravana to symbolise victory over evil. The celebration serves as a reminder to always be brave, compassionate, and truthful—regardless of how hard things may get. Here are a few iconic places to visit, witnessing Ravan Dahan and food fairs.
Kullu Dussehra, Himachal Pradesh
One of India's largest Dussehra festivals, Kullu Dussehra, is renowned for its week-long festivities. Thousands of deities from nearby villages are brought to the Dhalpur site to pay tribute to Lord Raghunath. Fairs, folk music, and dancing are the main attractions. The cuisine at Kullu Dussehra is rich in Himachali customs. Guests can enjoy chana madra, a yoghurt-based meal with chickpeas, and sidu, a steamed bread made from wheat flour packed with poppy seeds or jaggery. Along with hot pakoras and treats like mittha, the festival venue is surrounded by street food vendors selling these.
Bastar Dussehra, Chhattisgarh
Bastar's Durga Puja is distinct and among the longest, spanning seventy-five days. It emphasises tribal customs and devotion to regional deities such as Goddess Danteshwari. You can find aamat. It is a stew made with bamboo shoots. Also, you can try fara, a rice dumpling filled with perfectly cooked, seasoned lentils. During this celebration, mahua-based foods like mahua laddoos and regional alcoholic beverages are sold as a part of the celebration too.
Kota Dussehra, Rajasthan
Massive effigies of Meghnath, Kumbhkaran, and Ravana, some of which tower over 75 feet, are the main attractions of Kota Dussehra. Thousands of people come to witness these effigies being burned. Diners can savour Rajasthani delicacies like the filling dal baati churma. Another famous street meal during the celebrations is kachori. It is packed with spicy lentils or onions. You can also get mirchi bada and Rajasthani desserts like ghewar and mawa kachori.
Madikeri Dasara, Karnataka
The lively Madikeri Dasara festival is characterised by large processions that include folk performances and dance styles, including Dollu Kunitha and Kunitha. Thousands of people assemble to see the festivities, and temples all across the town are exquisitely decorated. akki roti, koli curry, payasa, thambittu, vade and bonda are sold at street food stands.
Varanasi Dussehra, Uttar Pradesh
Deeply spiritual, Varanasi's Dussehra is highlighted by the city's renowned Ramnagar Ramlila. Completed over a month, it is among the oldest renditions of the Ramayana. The presence of the holy Ganges, temples, and ghats adds a divine touch to the festivities. You can start with the famous kachori sabzi, Banarasi tamatar chaat, malaiyo, and rasmalai or a cool glass of Lassi during the visit.