Vijaya Dashami, popularly known as Dussehra, is celebrated on the 10th day, just after the conclusion of Durga Puja, to celebrate Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, the demon king who abducted Lord Rama’s wife Maa Sita. Moreover, on this day, Visarjan of Durga Maa’s idol is performed in different states of India.
Symbolizes the victory of good over evil as Ram Ji defeated Ravana, the king of demons, after a fierce battle between his Vanar Sena led by Hanuman Ji and Ravana’s huge forces. In a nutshell, it signifies the defeat of the ego and evil.
Ram Lila in North India is observed on the ninth day of Navaratri to celebrate Lord Rama’s victory, which includes the plays of Ramayana, storytelling of Rama’s exile, followed by Ravana Dahan (burning of the effigies) of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakaran.
Celebration type: Ram Leela & Ravana Dahan
Dussehra is celebrated as ‘Vijaya Dashami’, marking the victory of Durga over the demon Mahishasura. On Vijaya Dashami, Bengali married women apply sindoor on Maa Durga’s idol before Visarjan, seeking longevity for their husbands, and then play with sindoor, which symbolizes marital bliss.
Celebration type: Durga Visarjan & Sindoor Khela
Mysore Dassara features the procession of Chamundeshwari’s idol on Jambu Savari, which is popularly referred to as the Ambari procession. Additionally, Mysore Palace and other parts of the city are illuminated with thousands of diyas and bulbs.
Celebration type: Mysore Dassara & Chamundeshwari Puja
Himachal Pradesh, celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. At the same time, it’s also a festival that honours Lord Raghunath, the deity of Kullu Valley, with the Dussehra mela attracting lakhs of tourists from across the country, showcasing a congregation of regional gods & goddesses represented with various cultural performances.
Celebration type: Himachali Dassara