Dussehra Across India: How Different States Celebrate

Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of good over evil. It marks two great triumphs: Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana in the Ramayana, and Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It falls on the tenth day after Sharad Navratri, usually in late September or October.

What makes Dussehra so special is how differently it is celebrated across India, from burning effigies in the north to Durga Puja in the east and doll displays in the south. If you are celebrating abroad, sharing these regional traditions is a wonderful way to show children just how big and varied India’s festival life is. Here is a quick journey across the country.

North India: Ramlila and Ravana effigies

In Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar and much of the north, Dussehra is incomplete without the Ramlila. In the nights leading up to Vijayadashami, scenes from the Ramayana are acted out on open-air stages for children and adults alike.

On Dussehra evening, giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna and his son Meghnad are set alight, a dramatic reminder that evil does not last. Families gather, children watch wide-eyed, and the lesson of choosing truth and courage sticks.

Tip for parents: a Baby Rama or Baby Hanuman plush makes a great storytelling prop. Holding a character makes it easier for little ones to follow the story of courage, truth and loyalty.

West Bengal: Durga Puja

In West Bengal, Dussehra comes at the end of Durga Puja, the state’s grandest festival, which celebrates Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. Beautifully crafted images of the goddess are worshipped in pandals with music, dance, food and art. On Vijayadashami, married women play sindoor khela, smearing vermilion on each other, and the images are carried in procession to be immersed in rivers and lakes in an emotional farewell.

Try this at home: a Devi Durga plush with a Marigold Plush Mala makes a small, child-friendly Durga Puja corner.

Karnataka: Mysuru Dasara

Mysuru hosts one of India’s most famous Dasara celebrations. Mysore Palace is lit up with thousands of lights, and a grand procession carries Goddess Chamundeshwari through the city in a golden howdah on an elephant. Music, dance and cultural performances fill the days around it.

It shows children that Dussehra is not only about stories, but also about community pride, heritage and art.

Maharashtra: the “golden” leaf exchange

In Maharashtra, families exchange apta leaves on Dussehra. The leaves stand for gold, so the custom is often called “exchanging sona”, a way of wishing each other prosperity and happiness.

It is a simple act that teaches children about sharing blessings, and an easy one to recreate abroad with leaves from the garden or the park.

Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh: Golu

In South India, Golu (Bommai Golu in Tamil Nadu, Bombe Habba in Karnataka, Bommala Koluvu in Andhra Pradesh) is a highlight of Navratri. Families arrange dolls and figurines of gods, scenes from the epics and everyday life on decorated steps, and friends visit each other’s homes to admire them.

For children it is like a storytelling display at home. Many families abroad set up a small Golu on a bookshelf, and small plush deities such as Krishna, Hanuman or Durga make a soft, playful addition.

Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra

In Kullu, Dussehra begins on Vijayadashami and continues for about a week. Local deities are carried in colourful processions, and fairs, music and dance fill the valley. Unusually, Ravana’s effigy is not burnt in the main celebration; the focus is on devotion, gathering and joy.

Celebrating Dussehra abroad

• Look out for a Ramlila, Durga Puja or Golu at your local temple or community centre. Many hold one.
• Read or act out the story of Rama and Ravana at home, and let children play the characters.
• Exchange “sona” leaves with friends and neighbours.
• Make a paper Ravana and talk about one “bad habit” each family member would like to leave behind.
• Video-call grandparents and ask how they celebrated as children.

Why Dussehra matters for kids

Whether it is the blazing effigies in the north, the art of Durga Puja in the east or the doll steps of the south, Dussehra across India carries one message children understand straight away: goodness wins in the end.

Dussehra also opens the festive season that leads to Diwali. For gift ideas, see our Diwali gifts for kids, browse the Hanuman plush, or play the festivals together with the Festivals of India puzzle.