Dussehra, a popular Hindu Festival celebrated across the nation and on this day we celebrate the victory of good over evil. In India, Dussehra is not a one day celebration, it’s a 10 day long festival, and in Navratra, we idolize goddess Durga in Nav Rupa. As per Hindu Religion, on Dusseshra Lord Ram killed King Raavan who kidnapped Queen Sita.

Dussehra celebrated in different ways, organize fair where various kinds of food stalls, games, and crafts were installed. In Uttrapradesh Dussehra celebrated with the Jhanki of Lord Ram, Queen SIta, Lakshman, Lord Hanuman and the Ramlila celebrated for more than 10 days. In Gujarat, Dandia  organized and people enjoy Dandia Raas and wore traditional dresses.

In this blog, we will explore the Top 5 places to celebrate Dussehra in India, let’s check out the amazing destinations and know everything about this.  

Top 5 places to celebrate Dussehra in India

Kolkata –  Divine Spirit of Goddess Durga

Kolkata Durga Pooja is most popular festival and the city is decorated with extremely beautiful Durga Pandals and the statues of Goodess Durga is so attractive that you will not take your eyes off. At Durga Pandal, various food stalls, and fairs were organized and on the Ashtami the delicious Bhog, Khichadi which was served at the Durga Pandal. Never miss the delicious Bhog! On the same day, the married women’s play ‘Sindur Khela’, which is very auspicious in Bengali rituals.

If you are planning to go Kolkata, then I would adviced to wear the traditional Saree which gives a glorious look and don’t forget to taste the traditional street food of Kolkata especially ‘Puchka’.

How to Reach Kolkata

• Nearest Airport: Kolkata (CCU) Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Howrah Junction and Sealdah (The city has many other railway stations, but these two are well connected with all routes.
• By Road: Kolkata has very well highways connectivity and adjoins major cities.

Hotels in Kolkata

• The Park Kolkata
• Vedic Village Spa Resort
•  Vivanta Kolkata
• The Westin Kolkata 

Varanasi – Spectacular Ramleela

Varanasi is the most spiritual city in India and famous for Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ganga Aarti, Manikarnika Ghat and many more attraction points. Do you Varanasi is also famous for the spectacular Ramleela performance which is 200 year old heritage of Varanasi. During Dussehra celebration in Varanasi, the Ramleela was performed for one month where you can catch the glimpse of Ramayan and the Ramleela ends with the death of King Raavan.

The Dussehra Celebration took place in the banks of Ganga River in Ramnagar and with Ganga Aarti, people sing devotional song (Bhajan), the flowers and lamp (Diya) offered to the holy Ganga Maa.

How to Reach Varanasi

• Nearest Airport: Varanasi Airport and Lal Bahadur Shashtri Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Junction (There are other railway stations too which are near to Varanasi Junction. You can plan according to your route)
• By Road: Varanasi is well connected with the metro cities. You can take Bus, Taxi or Cab, as the transportation is good in Varanasi.

Hotels in Varanasi

• Hotel Four Element
• Hotel Dolphin Grand
• BrijRama Palace
• Taj Ganges

Mysore – Celebrating in Royal Splendor

Image Credit: Google

Mysore Dasara is a grand festival and celebrated at State Level with splendor royalty and the whole city decorated beautifully and Mysore illumines splendidly. A ten days long festivals shows the 400 year old tradition and culture of Mysore, the music, dance, sports events, folk dance and song and the fair organized with all fun activities. Mysore Dasara is different from the other states of Dussehra, the state celebrates the victory of goddess Chamundeshwari who killed demon Mahisasur at the temple at Chamundi Hills. At the 10^th day of celebration, the royal possession took place and the decorated elephant walks with vintage car and the Amba Palace lighten up.

If you are willing to enjoy the Dussehra in royal manner, then add Mysore in your bucket list.

How to Reach Mysore

• Nearest Airport: Mysuru Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Mysuru Junction
• By Road: The highways are well connected and if you are from Bangalore then take a ride at NH 275 which is quite popular route.

Hotels in Mysore

• Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
• Hotel Rio Meridian
• Fortune JP Palace, Mysore
• Southern Star Mysore

Vadodara – Dancing to the Rhythms of Dandia

Image Credit: Google

In Gujarat, Dussehra means Navratri and for Gujarati Navratri is all about Garba or Dandiya, people dress in the traditional attire, and wore ornaments for the Garba event. Vadodara (Baroda) is famous for Dussehra celebration where a lot of events organized and a large number of people attend the Garba and came with the Dandiya Sticks to play with other people. In the event the most beautiful part is even unknown people play together and enjoy the Navratri. Gujarat is famous for its food like, khakra, fafda, jalebi and many others which served in the event.

How to Reach Vadodara

• Nearest Airport: Vadodara Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Vadodara Junction
• By Road: In Gujarat all the highways are well maintained and now the Mumbai Expressway is the best route which connects Delhi with Vadodara.

Hotels in Vadodara

• 7 Apple Hotel Vadodara
• Effotel by Sayaji, Vadodara
• Regenta Inn Vadodara
• Ginger Vadodara

Kullu – Dussehra Rath Yatra

Image Credit: Google

In Himachal Pradesh Kullu, Dussehra celebrated in a unique manner, the celebration starts on the 10^th day of festival and the Dusseshra celebration continues for one week. To embrace the uniqueness of Dussehra Celebration people across the country visit Kullu and enjoy the Dussehra festival in Himachali style.

The festival begins with the Rath Yatra from Kullu and people widely celebrate the festival with Phoolon ki Yatra, fairs (Mela) and events were also organized. The organizers also organized Ramleela where we can the glimpse of Ramayana performed by the local people that runs for the entire week. The local people performed Himachal Folk Dance, Gaddi Shepherds which is the most famous attraction part of the Kullu’s Dussehra.

If you want to enjoy the Kullu’s Dussehra, then plan a trip either on 8^th or 9^th day of Dussehra, as the festival begins from 10^th Day of Dussehra Celebration.

How to Reach Kullu

• Nearest Airport: Kullu – Manali Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Joginder Nagar (Take a cab to Kullu from the Railway Station)
• By Road: Kullu is well connected with the metro cities. You can take Bus or Cab to reach Kullu.

Hotels in Kullu

• Snow Valley Resort
• The Orchard Green Resort
• Himalayan Heights
• Woodrock Hotel

Final Thought

In India, Dussehra celebrated in a diversified way and all the states represents their own tradition and culture in the festival. The places we are discussed in this blog is only five places, but India is not limited to these places. If you want to experience our rich culture and heritage, then add these locations in your bucket list and enjoy the spiritual journey.

Pack your bag and explore the unexplored places with Hema.