Mysuru To Varanasi: How India Celebrates Vijayadashami With Grandeur

Vijayadashami is a significant Hindu festival day that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It falls on the tenth day of the Ashvin month and commemorates two legendary triumphs: Lord Rama’s defeat of the demon king Ravana, and Goddess Durga’s conquest of the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

Across India, the day is observed with diverse traditions. In Northern regions, large effigies of Ravana are burned in spectacular public events. In Eastern India, particularly West Bengal, people enjoy the ritual of sindoor khela and immerse beautifully crafted Durga idols in rivers or lakes.

History And Significance

Vijayadashami celebrates the triumph of good over evil, symbolising righteousness, truth, and courage prevailing against arrogance, greed, and wickedness. In North India, the festival honours Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, representing the defeat of pride and anger. In Eastern India, it marks the culmination of Navratri and Durga Puja, celebrating Goddess Durga’s conquest of the demon Mahishasura and the restoration of dharma. Additionally, the Mahabharata links Vijayadashami to the Pandava warrior Arjuna, who on this day retrieved his divine weapons from a Shami tree and triumphed over the Kauravas. Together, these stories reflect the festival’s deep cultural and spiritual significance across India.

Diverse Traditions Of Vijayadashami

Varanasi

Varanasi is renowned for hosting one of the world’s oldest Ramlila performance, a tradition that has continued for more than two centuries. Spanning 31 days, the Ramlila is performed at various locations across the city, attracting countless pilgrims and sadhus. Its immense cultural significance has been recognised by UNESCO, which has declared it an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Jagdalpur

Though called Bastar Dussehra, this unique festival is not connected to the traditional Ram-Ravana legend. Lasting around 45 days, it is primarily dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, the revered guardian deity of Bastar’s tribal region in Chhattisgarh, along with other local gods. According to local history, the festival began in the 15th century after the Kakatiya king Purushottam Deo returned from a pilgrimage to Puri, Odisha. The celebrations include elaborate rituals such as chariot processions, the arrival of various Bastar deities to Jagdalpur, gatherings of tribal chieftains, and thanksgiving ceremonies. For visitors, the closest airport is in Raipur, approximately 300 km by road from Jagdalpur.

Delhi

Delhi’s Ramlila is one of the most celebrated and longstanding traditions of Dussehra. It is a dramatic enactment of the epic Ramayana, telling the story of Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana. Over 10 days, grand performances take place across the city at various grounds, with prominent venues including Ramlila Maidan and Subhash Maidan. The festival reaches its climax on Dussehra with the symbolic burning of huge effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnad, and brother Kumbhakarna. The Red Fort is the most famous location for Ramlila in Delhi, often attracting celebrities and politicians who attend this vibrant and culturally significant event.

In Southern India, Vijayadashami is celebrated with vibrant rituals symbolising the victory of good over evil. Key observances include Ayudha Puja, where people clean and worship their tools and instruments. A special ritual called Vidyarambham marks the start of formal education for young children, who write their first letters on this auspicious day. Festivities also include grand events like traditional doll displays (Bommala Koluvu). The festival highlights new beginnings, learning, and the triumph of righteousness, making it a significant and joyous occasion throughout Southern India.

Mysore

Known as 'Dasara' in Mysore, it is celebrated at the end of the nine-day Navaratri festival, marking the victory of Goddess Chamundeswari over the demon Mahishasura. The Mysore Palace, beautifully illuminated at night, creates a magical atmosphere. The royal family performs worship inside the palace before the goddess is taken out in a grand procession known as Jamboo Savari. During this vibrant parade, the deity is seated in a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant. The procession features elaborate tableaus, musical and dance performances, local folklore enactments, decorated elephants, giant puppets, and horses. It begins at the royal palace and ends at the Banni Mantap. The ten-day festival also includes various cultural and sporting events.

Kullu

Nearly 40 km from Manali, the deities of the region gather in Kullu town to honour Lord Raghunath. The week-long festival begins on Dussehra day, with gods arriving in their palanquins, some travelling for days on foot from remote villages. These deities camp at Dhalpur Maidan, where vibrant rituals unfold, including Lord Raghunath’s Rathayatra and processions through the town. Unique to this festival are the meetings between deities, officiated by priests, where they exchange news—sometimes even engaging in lively debates. Kullu buzzes with festive spirit, hosting a large fair featuring cultural programmes and stalls selling local handicrafts like signature caps and shawls.

In Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal and Odisha, Vijayadashami signifies the conclusion of the vibrant Durga Puja festival. After days of elaborate worship and joyous community feasting, beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga are ceremoniously immersed (visarjan) in rivers or lakes. This poignant ritual symbolises the goddess’s return to her divine abode and marks a time of reflection, renewal, and devotion among devotees.

Kolkata

In Kolkata, where Durga Puja is widely celebrated, Vijayadashami marks the final day of the festivities. On this day, the beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga and her four children are taken to the river for immersion, symbolising the goddess’s return to her celestial abode. One of the most cherished rituals involves married women offering vermilion and sweets to the goddess before playfully smearing it on each other, celebrating prosperity and marital bliss. In Kolkata, grand processions carry the deities through the streets to the Hooghly River, where the immersion takes place. For a unique and memorable experience, many choose to hire boats to watch the vibrant and emotional farewell from the water, surrounded by the festive atmosphere of music, chants, and celebrations.

FAQs

Q1. When is Vijayadashami celebrated in 2025?
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, will be celebrated on October 3, 2025.

Q2. What is the significance of Vijayadashami?
It symbolises the victory of good over evil, marking Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

Q3. Which city hosts the most famous Vijayadashami procession?
Mysuru in Karnataka is renowned for its royal Dasara procession, one of India’s grandest Vijayadashami events.

Q4. How is Vijayadashami celebrated in North India?
In North India, Vijayadashami is marked with Ramlila performances and the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhkaran.

Q5. How do Bengalis celebrate Vijayadashami?
For Bengalis, Vijayadashami marks the immersion (Visarjan) of Goddess Durga idols, symbolising her return to Kailash.

Q6. Are Vijayadashami celebrations open for tourists?
Yes, tourists are welcome at major events such as Mysuru Dasara, Delhi’s Ramlila grounds, and Durga Puja immersions in Kolkata.