Ultimate Dasara getaways

Dasara, also called Dussehra or Vijayadashami is one of the biggest Hindu festivals and is celebrated in different parts of India with equal zest. Dussehra kick starts the vacation season which means more family time and endless celebrations. It’s that time of the year again and you must not miss the festivities across the country! Plan a quick vacation around various cities in India known for Dussehra festivities and get an idea of how various communities around India celebrate Dussehra.

Barara

Barara, near Chandigarh, boasts of the tallest statue of Ravana made for Dussehra. The last known height was 200 ft and it promises to increase every year. Colourful markets, foot-tapping music and dance add to the festive atmosphere.

Ahmedabad

Join in for some garba and dandiya dance while you savour the mouth-watering delicacies of Gujarat. It is nine days of heart stopping loud beats and dandiya sticks – and if you’re single, it's match making time! Traditional Gujarati outfits rule – so get into one and dance the night through!
Get invited to a Garba party if you are looking at checking out the eligible crowd.

Kullu
Dussehra in Kullu takes a different twist. It starts on the day when the festivities across the rest of the country end. Over 200 deities from neighbouring villages are brought to the Lord Raghunatha Temple and carried in processions to a central place – Dhalpur Maidan. On the last day, you can witness the burning of Lanka town – symbolised by dry grass and leaves set aflame. Join the fanfare of the procession which is led by the King of Kullu – get a good look at those oddly shaped giant flutes. One can also shop at the local fair, stock up on authentic handicraft items and enjoy the local dance and music.

Mysore
Given the stature of a state festival, Dasara, as it is known in Karnataka, is a tradition that goes back more than four hundred years. The Mysore royals take the lead in this ten day extravaganza. The Mysore Palace is lit up for ten nights with thousands of lights. With the Palace serving as a backdrop, every evening there are programmes with themes that centre around dance, music and the culture of Karnataka.

Watch the elephant procession which starts at the Palace and leads up to the Dasara ground. Get a close look at the dolled up royal elephants which lead the procession.Keep some time to loaf around at the Dasara exhibition – held every year since 1880, this is where you get the true ’mela’ feeling with local food, shopping and joyrides.