Dussehra: India’s Festival of Victory and Renewal

When the skies burst with fireworks and towering effigies of Ravana crumble into embers amidst chants of “Jai Shri Ram!”, or when the streets of Bengal echo with dhaak drums bidding farewell to Goddess Durga, you know it is that time of year — Vijayadashami.

Celebrated on the tenth day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Ashvin, it marks the culmination of Navratri and Durga Puja, carrying centuries of legend, faith, and tradition.

At its heart, Dussehra is a festival of victories. In the Ramayana, it commemorates Lord Rama’s triumph over Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka. Ravana was no ordinary foe, a scholar of the Vedas, a master of scriptures, and one of the most powerful rulers of his age.

And yet, Rama, not even a crowned king then but living in exile like a mortal man, defeated him, symbolising how dharma (righteousness) can prevail over even the greatest might of adharma (evil).

In the east, Vijayadashami honours Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, a moment that celebrates shakti (divine feminine power) conquering darkness. And in another telling, it is the day Arjuna retrieved weapons hidden in a Shami tree during exile and single-handedly defeated the Kauravas; hence, worship of the Shami tree remains a tradition, where people worship it or exchange its leaves as symbolic gold during Dussehra

Every telling may differ, but the essence remains the same: within each of us resides both a Ram and a Ravana, and the true spirit of Dussehra is the reminder that good, guided by faith and courage, must always triumph over evil.

Every story in our epics points to the same timeless truth: good always prevails over evil.

Celebrations Across India

Dussehra isn’t just one festival; it is many festivals, each with its own colors, rituals, and grandeur. But with one same conclusion:

• Maharashtra & Western India: The festival is tied to warrior tradition. Historical records show Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later the Peshwas often chose Dussehra to launch new military campaigns, marking it as a day of victory. Even today, the ritual of exchanging Aaptyachi paan (Shami leaves) as symbolic gold continues in Maharashtrian households.
• Northern India: From Ayodhya to Varanasi, towns come alive with Ramlila enactments that stretch across nine nights, culminating in the burning of Ravana’s effigies. UNESCO recognized Ramlila as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. In Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, crowds cross lakhs in number.
• Mysore Dasara, Karnataka: Known as Nadahabba (state festival), Mysore’s 10-day celebration dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire (14th century). Today, the Mysore Palace glitters with 100,000+ bulbs, hosting royal processions, cultural performances, and wrestling bouts (vajra mushti kalaga).
• Kullu Dussehra, Himachal Pradesh: Starting when the rest of India ends, this week-long fair attracts over 500,000 visitors annually. Deities from over 200 villages are paraded through the Kullu valley.
• West Bengal & East India: Durga idols, crafted by artisans for months, are carried in processions with dhaak drums, firecrackers, and dance. In Kolkata alone, more than 3,000 Barowari pujas take place, while across West Bengal, over 36,000 pandals are set up each year. The Durga Puja season contributes an estimated ₹72,000 crore to West Bengal’s economy (2023 data).

Interestingly, while much of India celebrates Dussehra by burning Ravana’s effigies, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, there are also notable places where Ravana is revered, some only on Dussehra, others daily, honoring his intellect, devotion, and mastery of scriptures. This contrast reminds us of the richness and complexity of Indian traditions, where heroes and villains are never just one-dimensional.

Beyond Rituals – Dussehra’s Cultural and Economic Pulse

Dussehra is not just spiritual, but it is also seasonal and social:

• Agriculture : Dussehra coincides with the Kharif harvest season, during which crops like rice, cotton, soybeans, and maize are harvested. In many regions, farmers begin new sowing cycles after offering their first harvest to the goddess, symbolizing gratitude and seeking blessings for future crops.
• Art & Economy : The festival fuels entire ecosystems, from Ramlila stage artists to idol-makers in Kumartuli (Kolkata), fireworks factories in Sivakasi, and local sweet shops. In 2023, the Durga Puja economy in West Bengal reached ₹84,000 crore, underscoring its substantial economic impact.
• Community & Family : In Maharashtra and Karnataka, families exchange Shami leaves and sweets as part of the celebrations. In Nepal’s Dashain festival, a 15-day version of Dussehra, elders bless youngsters with red tika (a mixture of yogurt, rice, and vermillion) and jamara (barley shoots), reinforcing family bonds across generations.

Dussehra 2025 – An Invitation to Witness

As Vijayadashami arrived, India once again turned into a living epic.

• In Delhi, the sky will glow with burning effigies of Ravana.
• In Kolkata, the Hooghly River will carry away clay idols amidst chants of “Bolo Durga Mai Ki Jai!”
• In Mysore, the palace will shimmer with lights as elephants march in royal splendour.
• In Pune and across Maharashtra, people will exchange Aaptyachi paan as blessings of prosperity.

Wherever you are, this festival carries one unshakable message: evil may rise, but good always prevails.

Whether you travel to witness the regal Mysore Dasara, the spiritual immersion of Durga idols in Bengal, or the fiery spectacle of Ravana’s defeat in North India, Dussehra 2025 promises an unforgettable journey through faith, history, and culture. At Sangitam, we believe festivals are not just events but windows into India’s living heritage. So keep travelling, witnessing, and feel the spirit, from Maharashtra to every corner of the country.