Dussehra 2026: Best Places in India to Witness the Celebrations

Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is one of India’s most vibrant festivals, marking the triumph of good over evil. While the festival is celebrated across the country, every region brings its own traditions, rituals and festive atmosphere to the occasion.

In 2026, Dussehra falls on Tuesday, 20 October. 

From spectacular Ravana Dahan and grand Ramlila performances to royal processions and centuries-old traditions, here are some of the best places in India to experience Dussehra in 2026.

1. Mysuru, Karnataka: For a royal Dussehra

If you want to experience Dussehra with a regal touch, Mysuru should be high on your list.

Mysuru Dasara is Karnataka’s state festival and has been celebrated in the city for centuries. The festivities combine cultural programmes, palace illuminations, traditional performances and the grand Jumboo Savari procession.

In 2026, Mysuru Dasara is scheduled from 11 to 21 October, with the grand Jumboo Savari taking place on 21 October. The Mysuru Palace is also illuminated every evening during the festival. 

Don’t miss:

• Mysuru Palace illumination
• Jumboo Savari
• Cultural programmes
• Torchlight Parade
• Dasara food and flower festivals

Best for: Families, culture lovers and travellers looking for a grand, traditional celebration.

2. Delhi: For Ramlila and Ravana Dahan

Delhi turns into a giant stage for the Ramayana during Dussehra, with Ramlila performances taking place across the city.

The capital is particularly known for its large-scale celebrations, dramatic performances and Ravana Dahan. Ramlila Maidan is among the city’s well-known venues, while several committees organise performances across different neighbourhoods. 

The atmosphere becomes especially lively as the festival reaches its finale, with performances culminating in the symbolic burning of Ravana effigies.

Don’t miss:

• Ramlila performances
• Ravana Dahan
• Festive mela
• Evening cultural programmes

Best for: First-time visitors and anyone looking for a classic North Indian Dussehra experience.

3. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh: For a completely different Dussehra

Kullu offers one of the most distinctive Dussehra experiences in India.

Instead of centring entirely on Ravana Dahan, Kullu Dussehra is known for its congregation of local deities, colourful raths, traditional music and week-long festivities at Dhalpur Maidan. Hundreds of village deities are brought together during the celebration. 

Set against the Himalayan landscape, the festival combines spirituality, local traditions and folk culture in a way that feels very different from celebrations elsewhere.

The official Kullu Dussehra website describes the festival as a week-long celebration at Dhalpur, with rath processions, Nati performances and cultural programmes. 

Don’t miss:

• Rath processions
• Local devta traditions
• Nati folk performances
• Dhalpur Maidan festivities
• Himalayan scenery

Best for: Culture enthusiasts, photographers and travellers looking for an offbeat festive experience.

4. Kota, Rajasthan: For a massive festive fair

For travellers who want Dussehra with plenty of colour, entertainment and carnival energy, Kota is a great choice.

The Kota Dussehra Fair runs from 20 October to 6 November 2026, making it one of the longest festive experiences on this list. Its centrepiece is the spectacular Ravana Dahan, with towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad.

The celebrations extend beyond the main ceremony, with cultural performances, folk music, food, markets and festive activities filling the Dussehra Ground and surrounding areas.

Don’t miss:

• Ravana Dahan
• Cultural performances
• Rajasthani folk music and dance
• Festive markets
• Local food

Best for: Families and travellers who enjoy fairs, performances and large public celebrations.

5. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh — For Ramayana traditions and living heritage

Varanasi offers a more immersive and traditional way to experience the Ramayana.

The Ramnagar Ramlila is a major cultural attraction, bringing the Ramayana to life through performances and traditional storytelling. The experience becomes even more atmospheric when combined with Varanasi’s ghats, temples and evening Ganga Aarti.

Rather than simply attending a single event, visitors can combine the Ramlila experience with a wider exploration of the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

Don’t miss:

• Ramnagar Ramlila
• Ramnagar Fort
• Ganga Aarti
• Boat ride on the Ganges
• Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Best for: Travellers interested in spirituality, history and living cultural traditions.

6. Kolkata: For a grand Bijoya Dashami experience

In Kolkata, the end of Navratri takes a distinctly Bengali form. Bijoya Dashami marks the conclusion of Durga Puja, with idol immersion processions becoming a major part of the celebration.

While the experience is different from the Ravana Dahan traditions seen in North India, it is one of the country’s most spectacular ways to experience the festive culmination of this season.

In 2026, Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebrations are scheduled for 17–21 October, culminating in Dashami. 

Don’t miss:

• Themed Durga Puja pandals
• Dhak performances
• Bijoya Dashami rituals
• Immersion processions
• Kolkata’s festive food

Best for: Art, architecture, food and photography lovers.

Which Dussehra destination should you choose?

Plan your Dussehra trip

Dussehra is a particularly good time to explore India because the celebrations vary dramatically from one destination to another. You can watch a spectacular Ravana Dahan in Delhi, experience royal grandeur in Mysuru, discover centuries-old traditions in Kullu or combine a festive visit with the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi.

If you’re planning to travel around 20 October 2026, book your flights and accommodation early, especially for Mysuru, Kullu and Kota, where major celebrations can draw large crowds.

This Dussehra, don’t just celebrate the festival – travel to where the celebration comes alive.