How Dussehra Is Celebrated Differently Across India

How Dussehra Is Celebrated in Different States of India

October 14, 2026

What comes to your child's mind when you say Dussehra? A giant Ravana effigy, colourful fairs, or the excitement of watching fireworks?

Now imagine telling them that in some parts of India, people don't burn Ravana at all! Instead, they celebrate with decorated elephants, beautiful dolls, flower arrangements and grand processions.

That's what makes Dussehra celebrations in different states of India so interesting. Every region has its own traditions, stories and ways of celebrating. Some honour Lord Rama's victory over Ravana, while others celebrate Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura.

Let's take a little journey across Dussehra (Vijayadashami festival) in India and see how one festival can look so different from one state to another.

Why Is Dussehra Celebrated in India?

Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin, usually in September or October.

According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama defeated Ravana and rescued Sita with the help of Hanuman, Lakshmana and his companions.

In another important tradition, Vijayadashami celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura.

Both stories remind us that courage, truth and goodness matter.

How Is Dussehra Celebrated in Different States of India?

From northern India's Ramlila performances to the royal celebrations of Mysuru, every region adds something special to this festival.

1. Delhi and Uttar Pradesh: Ramlila and Ravana Dahan

In Delhi, Varanasi and many other places across northern India, Dussehra is closely connected with the Ramayana.

During Navratri, artists perform Ramlila, a dramatic retelling of Lord Rama's life. Children watch scenes featuring Hanuman, Sita, Lakshmana and Ravana.

On Dussehra evening, large effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are traditionally burnt.

What kids can learn: The celebration introduces children to the difference between making a mistake and repeatedly choosing to do wrong.

2. Karnataka: Mysuru's Royal Dasara Celebration

Imagine an enormous palace glowing with thousands of lights!

That's one of the most famous sights during Mysuru Dasara in Karnataka.

The celebrations honour Goddess Chamundeshwari's victory over Mahishasura. Mysuru Palace is beautifully illuminated, and the famous Jamboo Savari procession features decorated elephants, music and cultural performances.

Children can also learn about Karnataka's royal history through these celebrations.

What kids can learn: Festivals are also a way to preserve art, music, history and traditions passed down through generations.

3. West Bengal: Durga Puja and Vijaya Dashami

In West Bengal, Vijayadashami marks the conclusion of Durga Puja.

Beautifully decorated pandals house idols of Goddess Durga. Families visit these pandals, offer prayers and enjoy cultural celebrations.

On Vijayadashami, many married women participate in Sindoor Khela, applying vermilion to the Goddess and one another. The idols are later taken for immersion, symbolising a farewell to Maa Durga.

What kids can learn: Celebrations can be joyful and emotional at the same time. Saying goodbye is also a way of expressing love.

4. Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra Begins When Others Finish

Here's something children may find surprising.

While Dussehra celebrations end in many places on Vijayadashami, Kullu Dussehra begins that day!

The week-long festival centres around Lord Raghunath. Hundreds of local deities are brought from surrounding villages in decorated palanquins.

A grand chariot procession, folk music, dancing and traditional fairs make the celebration special.

What kids can learn: Communities can have different traditions while sharing similar values of respect, devotion and togetherness.

5. Maharashtra: Exchanging Golden Leaves

In Maharashtra, families celebrate Dussehra by exchanging apta leaves, often called sona, or gold.

People offer these leaves to relatives, friends and elders as symbols of prosperity and goodwill. Some families also perform Ayudha Puja, honouring tools, vehicles and equipment used in daily life.

Children may especially enjoy visiting grandparents and exchanging symbolic golden leaves.

What kids can learn: Gratitude isn't only about saying thank you. It can also mean appreciating the people and things that help us every day.

6. Tamil Nadu: Golu Dolls Tell Mythological Stories

In many Tamil Nadu homes, Navratri is celebrated with beautiful displays of dolls called Golu or Kolu.

Families arrange dolls on decorated steps. These displays may feature gods, goddesses, scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and everyday village life. Families visit one another, sing devotional songs and share traditional snacks.

Vijayadashami is also considered an auspicious occasion for beginning education or learning an art.

What kids can learn: Stories can be told through objects, pictures and creative displays, not just books.

7. Chhattisgarh: Bastar Dussehra Without Ravana Dahan

Did you know that Bastar Dussehra lasts for approximately 75 days?

Unlike the familiar Rama-Ravana celebration, Bastar Dussehra honours Maa Danteshwari and the region's local deity traditions. Communities participate in rituals, music, processions and the pulling of an enormous wooden chariot.

There is no traditional Ravana effigy burning at the centre of this festival.

What kids can learn: Every community has its own cultural history, and learning about unfamiliar traditions helps us respect others.

8. Telangana: Bathukamma, the Festival of Flowers

In Telangana, the Navratri season brings the colourful Bathukamma festival, which concludes shortly before Dussehra.

Women arrange seasonal flowers in beautiful circular stacks and gather to sing traditional songs around them. The celebration honours Goddess Gauri and reflects the region's connection with nature.

Children can help identify flowers, learn folk songs or create their own paper-flower arrangements.

What kids can learn: Nature is an important part of our lives, and celebrations can remind us to appreciate and care for it.

What Makes Dussehra Celebrations Across India So Special?

Although the customs differ, the festival brings families and communities together.

Different Stories, Shared Values

Rama's victory teaches courage and responsibility. Durga's victory represents strength against wrongdoing. Bastar's celebrations honour community traditions, while Maharashtra's customs encourage goodwill.

Each gives parents a different story to share with children.

Mummas'Ram Sethu – Team Work helps children explore another important Ramayana lesson: how Rama's companions worked together to build the bridge to Lanka.

Festivals Help Children Understand Indian Culture

Children often learn about festivals through what they see at home.

But reading about celebrations in other states introduces them to different languages, clothing, foods, rituals and art forms.

Mummas' Jealousy & Comparison – The Story of Shurpanakha also offers a child-friendly way to explore emotions and choices through a Ramayana character.

Fun Dussehra Activities for Kids at Home

You don't need to travel across India to introduce your child to these traditions.

Try a few simple activities:

Make a Dussehra map: Mark the eight states mentioned in this blog and draw one symbol for each.
Create a mini Golu display: Arrange toys and mythology characters on small steps.
Make paper flowers: Create a colourful Bathukamma-inspired arrangement.
Host a Ramayana story evening: Read a short story and let children act out their favourite characters.

For a longer festival activity session, the Lord Ram Hamper from Mummas' Dussehra and Diwali collection is another option for families looking to bring Rama-inspired learning into their celebrations.

Celebrate Dussehra With Stories That Stay

From Mysuru's grand processions to Maharashtra's golden leaves, Dussehra shows children just how colourful India's traditions can be.

And the best part? Every celebration has a story waiting to be told.

This year, go beyond the fireworks and fairs. Read a Ramayana story, try an activity from another state and ask your child which tradition they found most interesting.

Explore Mummas' Dussehra and Diwali Story Books for Kids and make festival time a wonderful mix of stories, creativity, family bonding and meaningful learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another name for Dussehra festival?

Dussehra is also called Vijayadashami, meaning the tenth day of victory. It celebrates Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and, in many traditions, Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura during Navratri celebrations.

Which Indian state is famous for Dussehra?

Karnataka is especially famous for Mysuru Dasara, featuring illuminated palaces and grand processions. Himachal Pradesh is known for Kullu Dussehra, while Chhattisgarh celebrates the distinctive, long-running Bastar Dussehra festival annually.

Why do we celebrate Dussehra in India?

Dussehra celebrates the victory of goodness over evil. It remembers Lord Rama defeating Ravana and Goddess Durga defeating Mahishasura, encouraging people to value courage, honesty, responsibility and righteousness in everyday life.

Where is the best place to celebrate Dussehra in India?

Mysuru is ideal for royal processions, Delhi for Ramlila and Ravana Dahan, Kullu for traditional deity gatherings, and Bastar for distinctive tribal celebrations. Each offers a different cultural experience for visitors.

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