Quick Answer
Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of good over evil. In northern India, it is associated with Lord Ram's victory over Raavan. In many eastern and northeastern regions, it marks Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasur. Mysuru celebrates with a royal procession, while parts of Himachal Pradesh observe the famous Kullu Dussehra.
The Story
North India: Ram's victory over Raavan
In Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and many other northern regions, people organise Ramlila, dramatic performances depicting episodes from the Ramayan. On Dussehra, towering effigies of Raavan, often accompanied by those of Meghnad and Kumbhakarna, are burned to symbolise the defeat of evil. The celebration recalls Ram's victory over Raavan and the triumph of righteousness.
Eastern India: Durga's victory
In West Bengal, Odisha and parts of eastern India, Vijayadashami concludes the grand Durga Puja celebrations. According to the Devi Mahatmya, Goddess Durga defeats the buffalo demon Mahishasur, restoring balance and protecting the world. Devotees bid farewell to the goddess, with many communities immersing her idols in rivers or other water bodies. For more on Bengal's Durga Puja season, read why Mahalaya marks the beginning of Durga Puja. The goddess's victory is also explored through the nine forms of Maa Durga.
Mysuru, Karnataka: Royal grandeur
Mysuru Dasara is famous for its illuminated palace, cultural programmes and the Jamboo Savari, a grand procession featuring a decorated elephant carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari. The festival honours the goddess associated with the defeat of Mahishasur, whose legend is closely connected with the Mysuru region.
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh: A gathering of deities
Unlike places where Dussehra celebrations end on Vijayadashami, Kullu's festivities begin around this day and continue for several days. Local deities arrive in decorated palanquins to gather at Dhalpur Maidan, creating a remarkable expression of the region's living religious traditions.
Other regional traditions
In Maharashtra, people exchange Apta leaves as symbolic gold and seek blessings for prosperity. In parts of southern India, families display Golu, decorative arrangements of dolls and figurines during Navratri, with Vijayadashami regarded as an auspicious day to begin learning or new activities. To learn more about the festival's nine nights, read why Sharad Navratri lasts for nine nights.
Did You Know?
- Different names: Vijayadashami means the victorious tenth day, marking the conclusion of the nine nights of Navratri.
- Kullu celebrates differently: Its Dussehra festival continues for days after Vijayadashami, bringing together numerous local deities.
- Auspicious beginnings: Vijayadashami is traditionally considered a favourable day to begin learning, including music, arts and other skills.
- Distinct stories: Ram's victory over Raavan and Durga's victory over Mahishasur are separate narratives, both celebrated as victories of good over evil.
Why It Matters
Dussehra reminds us that courage, justice and the protection of others remain important values. Its regional celebrations also show how India's cultural diversity thrives alongside shared ideals. Whether through a Ramlila performance, a Durga Puja farewell or a procession of local deities, the festival renews the hope that righteousness will ultimately prevail.
References
- Valmiki Ramayan
- Yuddha Kand, the battle between Ram and Raavan and Raavan's defeat. Sarga numbering varies across editions.
- Ramcharitmanas
- Lanka Kand, the battle between Ram and Raavan.
- Devi Mahatmya
- Chapters 2-4, describing the battle against Mahishasur and the goddess's victory. Part of the Markandeya Purana.
- Regional traditions
- Mysuru Dasara, Kullu Dussehra and Durga Puja draw on regional histories, devotional practices and living cultural traditions.
