Top 10 Places to Celebrate Dussehra in India in 2025

Dussehra in India is a festival and celebration that not only has religious significance attached to it but is representative of the cultural diversity and heritage of the country. Dussehra is celebrated on the 10th day of Navratri and in 2025, Dussehra celebrations in India will be even more hyped and awaited as the country has now enhanced and embraced more advanced methods of celebrating specific culturally rich days.

In India, Dussehra is celebrated with the burning of Ravana’s effigy and the performance of Ram Leela. In this document, we provide you with a detailed understanding of the best 10 places to celebrate Dussehra in India in 2025. We also include recommended places to visit during Dussehra holidays and premium stay recommendations, which are also included in the best 5-star hotels in Delhi.

1. Mysore, Karnataka – The Royal Dussehra

In case you were pondering where Dussehra is celebrated in India on a grand scale, Mysore takes the crown. The city’s ten-day festivity called “Dasara” is a visual and cultural treat. During the grand procession, which includes ornate elephants, musicians, and royal guards, the Mysore Palace is glowing with over a hundred thousand bulbs as spectacle to travellers for decades.

Why visit: Folk Traditional music and performances, and a majestic torchlight parade.

Highlight: The idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried in a golden mandapam, marking the royal procession for the highlights of the festival.

2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Myth Comes to Life

For the scale of Ram Leela performances, Varanasi is second to none, turning the Ramayana into an immersive reality. The entire city transforms into a stage, with locals participating in the detailed reenactments for nine nights, which end with Dussehra celebrations at Ramnagar Fort.

Why visit: Performances from multiple locations in real time as part of the more than two-centuries-old Ram Leela.

Highlight: Spirituality and drama intertwine in a gripping display of Ravana’s effigy burning in Ramnagar.

3. Delhi – Contemporary and Traditional Attractions along with Heritage and Traditional Luxury

Dussehra in India is celebrated with a blend of contemporary and traditional events in Delhi. The capital city hosts the Red Fort and Subhash Maidan Chhoti Ramleela, and also a community Ramleela. The city is vibrant with celebrations throughout the city.

Why Visit: The best places to visit in Dussehra holidays include Red Fort, DDA Grounds, and Ramlila Maidan.

Highlights: Delhi’s Dussehra is marked by grand Ram Leela performances, massive Ravana effigy burnings, and vibrant community events across iconic venues like Red Fort Grounds and Ramlila Maidan, blending cultural tradition with festive fervour in the heart of the capital.

4. Kota, Rajasthan – A Celebration Of Culture

The Kota Dussehra fair is regarded as the one of the best Dussehra celebration in India for its unique incorporation of fairground festivities. It features a blend of devotion with amusement, making it a unique experience. These include cultural performances, local food, crafts, and oversized effigies.

Why visit: Authentic folk art, riding camels, and setting Ravana alight on a grand scale.

Highlight: The effigies are meant to be fierce and thoroughly intimidating as over 75 feet of fireworks laden construction is set alight.

5. Kolkata, West Bengal – From Durga Puja To Vijayadashami

While the city is renowned for Durga Puja, the tenth day, Vijayadashami, is celebrated as a part of Dussehra in India. During this, women partake in Sindoor Khela, and idols are submerged in the waters during grand processions of triumph that fill the city.

Why visit: Energetic and evocative cultural performance alongside divine energy and artistic pandals.

Highlight: Immersion of idols is the most emotional and beautiful aspect of the celebrations.

6. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh – Devotional in the Indian Dussehra in the Hills

Kullu Dussehra is celebrated differently, both spiritually and scenically. The devotion begins on Vijayadashami and lasts a week. During the festivity, over two hundred local deities are taken in a procession to the main ground, embodying the distinct devotion of Himachal.

Why visit: A performed devotion, captivating devotional rituals, spiritual ambiance, and assembly of local deities.

Highlight: Unlike anywhere else, the weeklong fair with river effigy procession is truly remarkable.

7. Bastar, Chhattisgarh – Tribal Traditions

What place is renowned for its Dussehra festival in its tribal form? The answer is Bastar. Unlike the customary Dussehra which celebrates Rama’s victory, their Dussehra festival does not commemorate Danteshwari’s victory. Rather, it honors Danteshwari. The festival lasts over 75 days.

Why to visit: Highly spiritual and non-commercialized tribal rituals, absence of burning effigies mark the festivity.

Highlight: Chariot parades, folk music, and indigenous rituals from the area.

8. Ahmedabad, Gujarat – The Navratri and Dussehra Overlap

In the rest of Gujarat, Navratri culminates with festive Garba and Dandiya songs. Dussehra brings with it massive effigies and temple visits. The energetic and youthful vibe of Ahmedabad during the festive period is commendable.

Why visit: Synchronized festivities combine culture, dance, and the spiritual.

Highlight: The vibrant change from Navratri to Dussehra in public gatherings is breathtaking.

9. Chennai, Tamil Nadu – The Celebrations of Golu and Grace

In Chennai and the rest of Tamil Nadu, the focus of Dussehra festivities in India is Golu – showcasing dolls and figurines arranged on steps. Homes receive decorations, music recitals take place, and sweets are distributed.

Why visit: The spiritual vibe, along with the unique aesthetics, is very calming.

Highlight: Partake in the unique experience of visiting homes to see the Golu while enjoying filter coffee.

10. Almora, Uttarakhand – The Alluring Mythical Mountains

Almora is a hidden gem that offers Dussehra holidays for those wanting cooler hideaways. Known for massive bamboo and paper Ravana effigies, Almora’s Dussehra in India is quite unique.

Why visit: The community-driven, eco-friendly celebrations are very commendable.

Highlight: More than 20 puppets lit with torches were displayed and set on fire.

Best Places to Visit Dussehra Holidays (In No Particular Order)

• Delhi: Get pampered with luxury stay at Jaypee Siddharth and enjoy multiple Ram Leela shows.
• Mysore: Attend the royally styled celebrations and enjoy the culture.
• Kolkata: City of joy and host of the Durga Puja along with Vijayadashami.
• Kota: The carnival spirit is enjoyable for young children and is family friendly.
• Kullu: Experience energetic and scenic sightseeing along with some spirituality.

Travel Tips For Dussehra in 2025

1. Make Your Reservations As Soon As Possible

During Dussehra, the travel rush escalates mostly in the marketplaces of Delhi and Mysore. For Mysore and Delhi’s Jaypee Vasant Continental, don’t forget to make your reservations at least 2 to 3 months ahead.

2. Make Sure To Participate In Local Festive Foods

Every region has its unique taste of festive food. Don’t miss Delhi’s snacks, chaat or Mysore’s festive food, Mysuru Pak.

3. Wear Local Traditional Clothes

Wearing region-specific traditional wear such as sarees, lehengas, or kurta-pyjamas helps blend in.

4. Participate in the Rituals

Take notice of customs such as Ram Leela or the Golu arrangements while attending private or public gatherings.

Also Read: National and Religious Festivals of India 2025: A Complete Guide to Celebrations

Conclusion

Dussehra in India signifies more than just a public holiday; it is a grand and a nationwide exhibition of tradition, triumph, love, and fellowship. If you are looking for the lavish beauty of Mysore, the spiritual charm of Varanasi, or the spend and relax nature of Jaypee 5-star hotels in Delhi, there is a lot more than meets the eye.

Five Star hotels in Delhi include:   

• Jaypee Vasant Continental – South Delhi’s calming hideaway great for Dussehra celebrations having easy accessibility to the venue.
• Jaypee Siddharth – Known for its central position and luxurious offerings, a go to for all who wish to be in the center of city happenings.

Let us tackle the questions which place is famous for its Dussehra festival or what are the places to visit during Dussehra holidays. Now you have your answer. May you consider taking a visit to Mysore and honour the festival in its full charm in 2025.