Dussehra Festival / Vijayadashmi

Pretty explosive stuff!

When:September / October, 24th October 2012, 14th October 2013.
Where: India.

Dussehra is a Hindu festival celebrated all over India. It is also known as Vijayadashmi (‘Vijay’ meaning ‘victory’ and ‘Dashmi meaning ‘tenth day), as it is believed that it was on this day that Lord Rama killed the demon-king, Ravana and rescued his abducted wife Seeta. It signifies the triumph of good over evil and the legendary triumph is reenacted in an explosive style.

In the northern parts of India, huge effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarna and son Meghnath are placed in an open area. Fireworks and crackers are placed inside the effigies.

Actors dressed as Rama, Sita and Rama’s brother Lakshmana re-enact the final moments of the battle to free Sita from Ravana. Rama shoots a flaming arrow at the effigies and the crowd cheers as the effigies explode with fireworks and flames.

When is the Dussehra Festival?

Dussehra (or Vijayadashami) is celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu autumn lunar month of Ashvin, which falls in September or October of the Western calendar.

Food & Drink

Eat Sabzi Kari (vegetable curry). Drink Lassi (or Indian beer)

Who’s been to the Dussehra Festival?

Have you been to the Dussehra Festival in India yourself? If so, please tell us all about it! You can share your pics and videos on our facebook page too! Or if you just want to say hi, or leave a comment for any other reason, we’d love to hear from you.

Travel to India

Bengalis celebrate Dusshera as a part of another festival called ‘Navratri’. In Karnataka (especially Mysore) and Andhra Pradesh, Dusshera is celebrated with fanfare. Huge processions can be witnessed in both the States. Although Dussehra is celebrated in different ways across India, the motive remains the same – to spread good cheer and celebrate the victory of good over the evil. Book flights and hotels with ebookers.com. You may need to search for flights and hotels separately.

Dates / venues may be subject to change or cancellation. Distances may be straight-line estimates. Please verify information before booking.

From holiday reading and travel books on India to binoculars and sunglasses you can find everything you need for an amazing trip on Amazon. And don’t forget the camera!

Enjoy your trip! And when you’re home we’d love you to come back and tell us all about it!

Have a night in with the girls Try some traditional Henna Mehndi designs. Henna is typically applied during special occasions like weddings and festivals.

Indian “Kandeel” star lanterns We have found these lovely Indian star lanterns used in India at festivals and celebrations (especially Diwali) that give a gorgeous focal point to any room at any time of the year. Traditionally reds and yellows, there are also many other colours to choose from too.

Dussehra 2009 – Pandava Sena – Ramayana – Bhaktivedanta Manor by DavidC Photography, on Flickr