As the monsoon retreats and autumn casts its warm glow across India, Dussehra—also known as Vijayadashami—ushers in a powerful celebration of courage, virtue and renewal. At the heart of the festival is the enduring story of Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, a tale passed down through generations as a reminder that righteousness, however challenged, ultimately prevails.
Across North India, Dussehra unfolds with dramatic spectacle. Towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran rise above vast gathering grounds before being set ablaze in a dazzling display of fire and fireworks. As the flames illuminate the evening sky, communities come together to witness the symbolic triumph of good over evil. In the days leading up to the festival, Ramlila performances bring the Ramayana to life through theatre, music and storytelling, transforming towns and villages into vibrant stages of devotion and tradition.
Further south, Dussehra takes on a different yet equally captivating character. Streets come alive with processions, music, dance and beautifully decorated tableaux, while homes and temples are adorned with flowers and festive displays. In Karnataka, special reverence is offered to Goddess Chamundeshwari, regarded as a powerful protector and embodiment of divine strength.
Nowhere is this grandeur more visible than in Mysuru, where the legendary Mysuru Dasara remains one of India’s most celebrated cultural spectacles. Elaborately decorated elephants, ceremonial processions, musicians and traditional performers move through the historic city in a magnificent display of royal heritage and living tradition.
Dussehra also marks the culmination of Navaratri, the nine nights devoted to the goddess in her many forms. In Gujarat and parts of western India, evenings come alive with Garba and Dandiya, as colourful circles of dancers move rhythmically to traditional music in an expression of celebration and devotion.
Across the border in Nepal, the festival is celebrated as Dashain, one of the country’s most important occasions. Families return home to reunite, elders offer blessings to younger generations, and communities gather in a spirit of renewal, gratitude and togetherness.
More than a festival, Dussehra carries a timeless message. Darkness may appear powerful, but it does not endure. As the towering effigies fall to flames and the celebrations draw to a close, what remains is a sense of hope, courage and the enduring belief that light will always find its way through.
