About This Festival
Vijayadashmi — Dussehra — is one of the most important Hindu festivals of India, falling on the 10th lunar day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight of Ashwin, usually in September or October. It marks the culmination of the Navratri festival and, in many traditions, represents the triumph of righteousness (dharma) over evil (adharma). In much of North India, Dussehra is associated with the story of the Ramayana: Lord Rama fought the demon king Ravana of Lanka after Ravana abducted Sita. With the help of his brother Lakshmana, Hanuman and the vanara army, Rama ultimately defeated Ravana. The victory of Rama is traditionally understood as the triumph of dharma over adharma. The most recognisable North Indian Dussehra tradition is Ravan Dahan — huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnada and Kumbhakarna are erected in open grounds and ceremonially set on fire at dusk, the burning symbolising the destruction of evil and the victory of righteousness. Kota Dussehra in Rajasthan is particularly famous, with its tradition dating back to the 18th century. Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh is very different from the typical Ravan Dahan: the festival begins in Vijayadashmi and continues for about a week, with the principal deity Lord Raghunath brought in a grand procession to Dhalpur Maidan, accompanied by numerous village deities carried in decorated palanquins. Mysuru Dussehra is a magnificent 10-day royal celebration, its Jumbo Savari procession of decorated elephants being one of South India's most spectacular sights. One of the most important cultural traditions associated with North Indian Dussehra is Ramlila — theatrical enactments of the Ramayana — bringing the epic to life for audiences across the region.
Where to Celebrate
Plan Your Visit
Dussehra in Rajasthan is celebrated with Ravan Dahan — the ceremonial burning of effigies marking the victory of good over evil.
View JourneyExperience Dussehra in Jaipur — one of North India's most vibrant Ravan Dahan celebrations.
View JourneyMysuru Dasara — the grandest Dussehra celebration in South India — falls along this journey's Karnataka route.
View JourneyMysuru is the showpiece of Karnataka's Dussehra — time this journey to coincide with the Jumbo Savari elephant procession.
View Journey
October "“ March
Delhi · Agra · Bharatpur · Jaipur · Ranthambore · Bundi · Udaipur · Rawla Narlai · Jodhpur · Delhi
October "“ March
Delhi · Amritsar · Varanasi · Agra · Jaipur · Pushkar · Jodhpur · Rawla Narlai · Udaipur · Delhi
Upcoming dates to be confirmed. Enquire with Om for the latest information.
Om will design your itinerary to arrive at the perfect moment.
