The Royal Splendour of Mysuru, Karnataka
Known as 'Nada Habba' or the state festival, Mysuru's Dasara is a ten-day spectacle of royal heritage. The entire city, especially the grand Mysuru Palace illuminated by nearly 100,000 bulbs, becomes a breathtaking sight. The main event for any traveller
is the 'Jamboo Savari', a majestic procession of decorated elephants, horses, and cultural troupes making their way through the city streets. Beyond the pageantry, the city hosts a special 'Aahara Mela' or food festival, where you can savour iconic local dishes like Mysore Pak, soft Mylari dosas, and the refreshing lentil salad, Kosambari. Evenings are filled with classical music and dance performances held at various venues, offering a complete cultural immersion.
The Devotional Fervour of Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Unlike the Ram-Ravana story central to Dussehra in other parts of India, Kullu's celebration is a unique, week-long festival that begins on Vijayadashami. It's an incredible display of folk tradition, where over 300 deities from surrounding mountain villages are carried on ornate palanquins to the Dhalpur Maidan to pay homage to Lord Raghunath. This procession, known as the Rath Yatra, is a sight to behold. Travellers can immerse themselves in the festive fair, listen to traditional folk music, and watch the graceful 'Nati' dance. The local cuisine is a highlight, with dishes like 'Babru', a stuffed bread, and other Himachali specialities available at the bustling market stalls. The festival culminates not with the burning of Ravana, but with the 'Lanka Dahan' ceremony on the banks of the Beas river.
The Artistic Grandeur of Kolkata, West Bengal
In Kolkata, Vijayadashami marks the culmination of the five-day Durga Puja festival, a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage event. The city transforms into a massive art gallery, with thousands of themed 'pandals' (temporary structures) housing magnificent idols of Goddess Durga. For a traveller, 'pandal hopping' is the main activity, offering a visual feast of art, creativity, and light. This is also a food lover's paradise. The streets are lined with stalls selling everything from the iconic puchka and kathi rolls to traditional Bengali snacks like beguni. A must-try experience is the community 'bhog'—a delicious offering of khichuri and labra (mixed vegetables) served at the pandals. The festival concludes with the moving sight of idol immersion in the Hooghly river, accompanied by joyous music and dancing.
The Ancient Traditions of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi offers a deeply spiritual Dussehra experience, centred around what is believed to be the world's oldest 'Ramlila' at Ramnagar. This is not just a stage play; the entire town becomes a set, with different episodes of the Ramayana enacted at various locations over a month. The audience moves with the actors, creating an immersive theatrical experience that has a raw, powerful energy. The air is filled with chants and hymns. During the festival, the ghats along the river Ganga have a special energy, and the streets are filled with food stalls selling local delicacies like kachori-sabzi and hot jalebis. The celebration culminates with 'Ravana Dahan', the burning of giant effigies, against the sacred backdrop of the Ganga.
The Tribal Heritage of Bastar, Chhattisgarh
For a truly unique cultural trip, Bastar's Dussehra offers a window into India's indigenous traditions. This is the world's longest festival, lasting for 75 days, and its rituals are completely different from mainstream celebrations. It is dedicated to the local deity, Devi Danteshwari, not Lord Rama. Travellers can witness fascinating rituals like 'Jogi Bithai', where a person sits in a pit for nine days, and the construction of a massive chariot. The festival is a vibrant showcase of tribal culture, with folk music, dance performances, and bustling markets selling bell metal crafts and terracotta items. It’s an opportunity to experience a living heritage that is deeply connected to nature and community spirit.
