Navratri and Dussehra are two of India’s most ardent and remarkable festivals. While Navratri brings immense devotion in the form of Durga puja for nine nights, Dussehra is when the evil forces are defeated or conquered, as in the case of Lord Rama killing Ravana. In India, all these occasions are observed with great pomp and splendor, although each region has its own style of observation. These are the ten must-visit cities to experience the grandeur of Navratri and Dussehra.

Ahmedabad

When it comes to the Navratri festival, Ahmedabad is indeed one of the most visited places in the country. The dance took to the streets with Garba and Dandiya Raas bopping in and around the Navratri festivities in Gujarat. The whole city is decorated with lights and huge open spaces with people donning costumes swaying and whirling over the sounds of drums and veneration songs called Garba grounds. The ambiance in Ahmedabad during Navratri celebrations is an impressive help for most people who wanna indulge and enjoy the festivities going on there.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi is known as one of the most ancient inhabited cities in the world. The festivity of Dussehra in Varanasi has an inner dimension which is spirit & culture that fascinates visitors from around the globe. The city is particularly famous for its extravagant enactments of Ramayan, where the entire events of lord Rama’s life are being performed, and the kings Ravana, Meghnath & Kumbhkaran are set ablaze every Dussehra night. These performances filled with faith and the devotion of the people have various locations for their production, with the Ramnagar Ram Lila being the most popular and prestigious.

Kolkata, West Bengal

It is when the Dussehra festival is celebrated that the city witnesses the biggest cultural extravaganza at Durga Puja. The town comes alive with creativity, art, and faith with the erection of thousands of glorious Durga idols in elaborate pandals. Many people are on the roads visiting various pandals, praying, and watching dances and other cultural events. The end of the Durga Puja celebrations sees the receding of the goddess’s idol into the river, and Dussehra takes place signifying the triumph of good over evil. The Durga puja held in Kolkata is a ‘precious and delicate item on the’ intangible cultural heritage list of UNESCO and among each other offers the most remarkable experience of these festivities.

Mysore, Karnataka

Revelry and splendor are the hallmarks here when it comes to celebrating Dushhera. Also known as Mysuru Dasara, the event has been held for the last 400 years under the patronage of ruling families. The most important event is on the day of Dussehra where a golden howdah with the idol of goddess Chamundeshwari is carried in a procession attracting elephants, dancers, and musicians on the sidelines. The most attractive feature in this city during the festival of Mysore Dasara is the palace which is decorated with over one hundred thousand lights which brings a lot of people to the region from around the world.

Delhi

Ram Lila is famous in this city and is conducted at different venues all over the city. At the Ramlila Maidan, one of the grandest of them all takes place where the rims of the story of Rama are performed by sets, actors, and drama costumes. On Dussehra night effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnath, and brother Kumbhkaran are burnt on the streets and in many other places as a form of ritual against the evil. Among the celebrations in these cities, one of the factors that draw the attention of many festival lovers is that the location of the celebrations in this case in this case, the city of Delhi is very accommodating and multicultural.

Mumbai, Maharashtra

The celebration of Navratri is mind-boggling in different ways in Mumbai. The city has a sizeable Gujarati population, which performs Garba and Dandiya Ras during Navratri festivities, but these celebrations acquire new dimensions owing to Mumbai’s cosmopolitan character. Massive Garba nights are organized at places like Goregaon and Borivali with many famous artists performing. Apart from these, many other religious and cultural practices are also conducted across the city enhancing the festival atmosphere. In this celebration of Dussehra held in Mumbai, there are numerous Ram Lila performances and the burning of Ravana’s statues at various landmark sites.

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Rajasthan also rejoices on the days of Navratri or Dussehra because of the supporting practices of Hinduism Religion. The floor of the large temples and the rest of the city gets filled with lights and flowers as the Goddess Durga is prayed with special ceremonies and performances. Processions of Ram Lila at Dussehra and the burning of Ravana’s effigies are the highlights of the occasion. Jaipur Amer Fort lit up at this time of the year, is a must-visit for anyone wishing to witness the royal way of celebrating these festivities.

Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Kullu’s Dussehra, also known as Kullu Dussehra International Festival, is always different from its counterparts in other states. There are celebrations for seven days, which commence on the day of Vijayadashami. The festive spirit is enhanced with parades and various traditional dance rituals. Artists bring about 200 deities from seats on their heads which end with the burning of effigies of the demon king Ravana built of wood and cloth. The picturesque setting of the Himalayas makes this festival very pleasant hence Kullu has its own Dussehra magic.

Vadodara, Gujarat

Like Ahmedabad, Vadodara has its phenomenally excessive Navratri celebrations. The Ghambha Garbas in the city are especially popular and hosted in several large events like the United Way Ghambha Garba, with crowds of thousands of people. Vadodara’s Garba is deemed to be more conservative with people in various bright-colored dress costumes dancing to the devotional songs in various dance steps. The fun factor and the positive energy generated in the place make it a destination for every Navratri fan.

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

The difference in observing Navratri in Chennai and in India’s ace cities is quite different. A special feature is Golu, a collection of idols depicting various scenes from mythology. Every household puts up its own Golu, which is a social event where guests are entertained with devotional songs and savories. However, Chennai does not possess the awe-inspiring Garba or Ram Lila events as other cities do. The cultural slant on Navratri in Chennai does blend well with traditional practices of the city creating a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere for the festival.

These ten destinations, each with its unique flavor and traditions, offer a glimpse into the sadnesses and joys that accompany Navratri and Dussehra feasts in different regions across India. Be it spirited Garba nights or lively Ram Lila events, you are sure to treasure every minute spent at these places.