Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated uniquely across Bharat in diverse regional traditions. Here is an in-depth overview of eleven noteworthy types of Dussehra celebrations, spanning legendary royal spectacles, spiritual rituals, community devotion, and contemporary practices like Sastra Pujan.

1. Mysore Dasara, Karnataka

Mysore Dasara stands among the most illustrious Dussehra festivals, with roots in royal legacy dating back to 1610 under Raja Wadiyar. The entire city comes alive for ten days, culminating in the grand Jamboo Savari procession on Vijayadashami. The Mysore Palace becomes a UNESCO World Heritage focal point, dazzling with lights and hosting cultural programs, classical dances, and folk exhibitions. The festival venerates Goddess Chamundeshwari, commemorating her victory over Mahishasura, and includes the royal sword worship parade, elephant processions, and a torchlight parade. Mysore Dasara reinforces Mysore’s cultural identity and draws global tourism for its grandeur.

2. Bastar Dussehra, Chhattisgarh

Renowned as the world’s longest Dussehra celebration, Bastar Dussehra extends for 75 days. Centered around worship of Goddess Danteshwari, the festival weaves together tribal devotion, community unity, and artistic heritage. Rituals include Pat Jatra, animal sacrifice, processions, worship of local deities, and vibrant dances. The festival is a canvas of Bastar’s tribal culture, showcasing distinctive chariot traditions and fostering regional pride outside mainstream effigy-burning customs.

3. Kulasekarapattinam Dasara, Tamil Nadu

Kulasekarapattinam’s Dasara is a spiritual spectacle at the Arulmigu Mutharamman Temple, Tuticorin. Over twelve days, lakhs of devotees gather, many dressed as gods and goddesses, culminating in the Soorasamharam ritual where Goddess Mutharamman symbolically slays Mahishasura. The Lion Vahanam procession, midnight rituals, and community fervor exemplify the victory of good over evil and underscore southern Tamil Nadu’s devotional zeal.

4. Kullu Dussehra, Himachal Pradesh

The Kullu Valley transforms for seven days with deities from over 200 neighboring villages converging at Dhalpur Maidan for communal worship. Lord Raghunath’s Rath Yatra is central, involving majestic chariot processions against the panoramic Himalayan backdrop. Rituals culminate in burning grass and wood by the Beas River, symbolizing Lanka’s annihilation. With origins in the 17th-century penance of King Jagat Singh, the festival celebrates religious unity and cultural hospitality.

5. Madikeri Dasara, Karnataka

Madikeri’s ten-day festivities in Kodagu intertwine devotion and community. Preparations involve local participation, featuring vibrant processions of Karagas (traditional deities) and Mantapas (thematic pavilions illustrating mythological sagas). The festival is unique for its community-driven organization, echoing Goddess Durga’s victory and highlighting local traditions and creativity.

6. Bommai Golu Doll Festival, Southern Bharat

Bommai Golu, also called Kolu, Kolu Bommai, or Bombe Habba, is integral to Navratri celebrations in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Families assemble step-wise displays of dolls representing goddesses, saints, life scenes, and themes, adding new dolls annually as a sign of growth and continuity. Rituals involve women and children visiting each other’s homes, singing songs, and exchanging symbolic gifts and prasad, fostering community and devotion.

7. Ravan Dahan, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

Ayodhya’s Ravan Dahan is one of the grandest displays, with towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna set ablaze to reenact Lord Rama’s triumph. Accompanied by Vedic rituals, folk dance, fireworks, and illuminated diyas, the event marks the culmination of Ramlila performances, reaffirming the values of courage, dharma, and righteousness from the Ramayana. It stands as a powerful symbol of good prevailing over evil and attracts millions each year.

8. Kerala Dasara: Vidyarambham

Kerala’s Dasara custom centers on Vidyarambham—children’s initiation into learning. On Vijayadashami, children write their first letters, sometimes on rice or sand, and in some cases, teachers trace the first letter on the child’s tongue. The event at Thunchan Parambu, Tirur, and Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple are especially notable, with thousands of children participating. Vidyarambham reflects Kerala’s literary legacy, the sanctity of knowledge, and marks the auspicious beginning of education.

9. Sastra Pujan: The Ritual of Weapon Worship

Sastra Pujan, most prominently observed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), was initiated by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925 and symbolizes valor, discipline, and dharma protection. On Vijayadashami, RSS members worship swords, spears, daggers, and sometimes licensed firearms—viewed as instruments for self-defense and moral stewardship, not aggression. Rituals include hymns, tilak, floral offerings, and demonstration of martial skills. The event often features addresses by senior leaders promoting unity, social responsibility, and national harmony. Variations exist regionally, with some shakhas blending Sastra Pujan with goddess worship and adapting rituals for overseas branches, while maintaining the core symbolism of weapons in Hindu cultural revival.

Conclusion

Each of these eleven Dussehra celebrations encapsulates the multifaceted spirit of Bharatiya cultural diversity—honoring ancient legends, social reformers, and contemporary movements, enriched by region-specific customs, vibrant festivities, and profound religious significance. Together, they reaffirm the everlasting victory of dharma over adharma, rooted in local heritage and evolving traditions.

Source: 11 Types of Dusshera Celebrations: From Mysore Dusshera to Sastra Pujan