By Mallika Bhagat
Copyright timesnownews
This year, on October 2, after 10 days of Navratri festivities, India will celebrate the victory of good over evil in a festival called Dussehra. Also known as Vijayadashami, it is one of India’s most famous festivals, and marks the victory of Lord Ram over Ravan. While in India it is marked by the burning of Ravana effigies and the culmination of Durga Puja, the festival has travelled well beyond the subcontinent, reshaped by the Indian diaspora and adapted to local cultures across the world. Dussehra In IndiaIn northern cities, stages come alive with Ram Leela plays before Ravan effigies are set aflame in the evening after puja. In West Bengal, the day coincides with the conclusion of Durga Puja, when idols of the goddess are immersed in rivers. In Mysuru, southern India, the royal family leads processions that date back centuries, accompanied by decorated elephants and musicians. NepalNepal’s version of the festival, called Dashain, stretches over two weeks. It is the longest Hindu festival celebrated in this Himalayan nation and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The final day, which will be celebrated on october 1 in Nepal will see men and women take blessings from their elders with tika (a red vermilion paste). Sword processions also take place in various parts of Kathmandu Valley. Temples see offerings, sometimes including animal sacrifices, to honour Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura. BangladeshIn neighbouring Bangladesh, where Durga Puja is a popular festival, Dussehra signals the goddess Durga’s farewell, much like in West Bengal. The immersion of idols in rivers is marked with music, dance, and cultural gatherings. The CaribbeanIn Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname, the Indian diaspora has kept the festival alive for more than a century. Outdoor Ram Leela performances, staged in villages and towns, culminate with the burning of Ravana’s effigy — an echo of North Indian traditions that has become a fixture of Caribbean cultural life. IndonesiaIn Indonesia, particularly in Bali and Java, Dussehra blends with local Hindu practices. Here, the Ramayana is retold through elaborate dance dramas and shadow puppetry, merging Indian mythology with Indonesian art. Malaysia and SingaporeWith significant Indian populations, both Malaysia and Singapore observe Dussehra through temple rituals, processions and staged dramas. These community events draw large gatherings and showcase the festival’s enduring resonance. Travel News – Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
