Happy Dussehra 2025: Mysuru Dasara, Bastar Dussehra, Delhi’s Ramlila to Kota & Other Regional Celebrations

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important Hindu festivals in India, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Celebrated at the end of the Navratri festival, it marks Lord Rama's triumph over Ravana and Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura, depending on regional traditions. This year, Dussehra falls on Thursday, October 2 and is being observed with great fervor across the country.

Vijayadashami 2025: Happy Dussehra 2025

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 for Dussehra rituals between 2:05 PM and 2:53 PM.

The day is a compulsory public holiday in India, with all government offices, banks and many businesses closed. Dussehra is celebrated across India with diverse regional traditions. From royal processions in Mysuru to tribal rituals in Bastar and grand effigy burnings in Delhi and Kota, each region adds its own unique flavor to the festival.

Mysuru Dasara Celebration

Mysuru's Dasara is one of the most iconic and lavish celebrations in the country. Known as "Nadahabba" or the state festival of Karnataka, it has been celebrated for over 400 years, dating back to the Vijayanagara Empire.

The 10-day festival culminates in a grand procession on Vijayadashami. The star attraction is the majestic Jumbo Savari, where the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried in a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant. The procession features vibrant tableaux, folk dancers, musicians, and cultural troupes.

Mysore Palace is illuminated with over 100,000 lights every evening, attracting thousands of visitors and photographers. Cultural programs, wrestling competitions, and the Dasara Exhibition add further charm to the celebrations.

Bastar Dussehra: One of The Longest and Oldest Dussehra Festival Celebration

Bastar, in Chhattisgarh, hosts one of the oldest and longest Dussehra festivals, spanning over 75 days. Uniquely, it has no connection to Rama or Ravana. Instead, it is dedicated to local deities, especially Goddess Danteshwari, the presiding deity of the Bastar region.

The festival involves deep tribal traditions, rituals and processions. Thousands of tribal communities from across Bastar participate in traditional ceremonies like the 'Pata Jatra', 'Derua' procession and 'Muria Durbar', where tribal chiefs gather and pay homage to the goddess.

Kullu Dussehra: Week-Long Himalayan Dussehra Celebration

In Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Dussehra begins when it ends elsewhere. Starting on Vijayadashami day, Kullu Dussehra is a week-long celebration held in the Dhalpur Maidan. The main highlight is the procession of Lord Raghunath, the chief deity of the valley who is carried on a chariot through the town.

Over 200 local deities, brought from various villages, join the celebration, making it a unique congregation of gods. The festival ends with the symbolic burning of Lanka and cultural performances, reflecting the deep spiritual traditions of the region alongside its vibrant folklore.

Kota Dussehra: Tallest Effigy Burning of Ravana

Kota, in Rajasthan, celebrates Dussehra with a perfect blend of royal traditions and cultural grandeur. The city's historic Dussehra grounds come alive with massive gatherings and festivities that date back to the 18th century.

One of the major highlights is the effigy burning of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran, which are among the tallest in the country-some even reaching up to 75 feet in height. A grand fair is organised with cultural performances, folk dances, local handicraft stalls, and amusement rides.

Delhi Dussehra: Grand Ramlila Performances and Effigy Burnings

In the national capital Delhi, Dussehra is celebrated with grand Ramlila performances held at iconic venues like Ramlila Maidan and the Red Fort grounds. These theatrical re-enactments of the Ramayana run for several days and draw large crowds from across the city.

Iconic venues like Ramlila Maidan, Red Fort Grounds, Subhash Maidan and DDA Grounds host some of the most elaborate and traditional Ramlilas. The most awaited spectacle is the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhakarna, some towering over 60 feet high.

In addition to the main events, almost every neighborhood in Delhi organises its own version of the Ramlila and effigy burning, making it a truly citywide celebration.