Durga Puja in Kolkata
Experience the grandest festival of West Bengal, where the entire city of Kolkata turns into a living art gallery. Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The main festivities in 2026 will run from October 16 to October 21.
The city is adorned with elaborate temporary temples called 'pandals', each with a unique theme and a beautifully crafted idol of the goddess. The air buzzes with the sound of dhak drums, devotional songs, and the aroma of delicious street food. Pandal-hopping is the main activity, with locals and tourists alike exploring the creative installations day and night. The celebration culminates on Vijayadashami (October 21) with 'Sindoor Khela', where married women playfully apply vermilion on each other before the idols are immersed in the river.
Mysuru Dasara: A Royal Spectacle
Witness a tradition that dates back centuries at the Mysuru Dasara, the state festival of Karnataka. In 2026, the festivities span 11 days, from October 11 to October 21. The entire city, especially the magnificent Mysore Palace, is illuminated with thousands of bulbs, creating a breathtaking sight. The festival includes cultural programs, a food mela, a flower show, and various sporting events. The main highlight is the 'Jamboo Savari' or elephant procession on Vijayadashami, October 21. A decorated elephant carries the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in a golden howdah through the city streets, accompanied by dancers, musicians, and colourful floats. The day concludes with a grand torchlight parade at the Bannimantap grounds.
Dussehra in North India
Across North India, the festival of Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, will be celebrated on October 20, 2026. This day marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. The celebration is preceded by nine nights of 'Ramleela', theatrical enactments of Rama's life story. On the evening of Dussehra, massive effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnada are set ablaze in open grounds. These burnings are a massive public spectacle, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and are accompanied by spectacular firework displays. Cities like Delhi, Varanasi, and Ayodhya have some of the most famous Ramleela performances and effigy burnings, drawing large, enthusiastic crowds.
Kullu Dussehra: A Unique Celebration
For a different flavour of Dussehra, head to the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Here, the celebrations begin on Vijayadashami and continue for a week. In 2026, Kullu Dussehra will start around October 20. Unlike other places, no effigies of Ravana are burned. Instead, it's a grand congregation of hundreds of local deities who are brought from surrounding villages in ornate palanquins to pay homage to Lord Raghunath at the Dhalpur Maidan. This international folk festival, a tradition dating back to the 17th century, features vibrant processions, cultural performances, and a huge fair, offering a deep dive into the region's unique customs and spiritual beliefs.
Marwar Festival in Jodhpur
Immerse yourself in the folk traditions of Rajasthan at the Marwar Festival in Jodhpur. Held in memory of the region's Rajput heroes, this two-day event showcases the best of Marwari music and dance. In 2026, the festival is scheduled for October 24 and 25. Originally known as the Maand Festival, it is set against the stunning backdrops of Mehragarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Visitors can enjoy soul-stirring folk performances that narrate tales of love and valour. The festival also includes unique attractions like a camel tattoo show and competitions for the best traditional dress, turban tying, and even the most impressive moustache.
