We all are very much aware of the festival of Dussehra or Vijaya dashmi, which is a day for us to enjoy and celebrate the victory of good over evil. The ceremony includes burning the effigy of the ten headed demon king Ravana. It is a particularly a fun festival for kids and youth as local fairs are held and fireworks are displayed. It not only has religious significance but also spiritual, sending out the message to burn the demon within us and give up the badhabits to have better way of life and living. The festival has more significance in North India than other parts of country. However, different regions have different ways to celebrate this occasion, here are top three places to visit for a Dussehra celebration:-
1. Dussehra in Delhi
Here you can find the typical celebration with effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbha karan being lighted in almost every neighbourhood in the city and a number of melas with crowds cheering enthusiastically. It is celebrated as the day when Lord Ram defeated the evil Ravana. Temples are decorated, religious music is played and Ramlila is performed.
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The Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghanada effigies before flaming, at the Dussehra celebrations, at Red Fort Ground on the auspicious occasion of Vijay Dashmi, in Delhi on October 17, 2010.[/caption]2. Dussehra celebration in Kullu
Kullu, a town in Himachal Pradesh is very-well known for its unique Dussehra celebrations. Rath Yatra or the procession of Lord Raghunath on a decorated chariot led by the King of Kullu Idols of gods and goddesses from nearby villages are carried on the heads of worshippers and brought to the fair ground where they meet their main deity, Lord Raghunath. The celebration last for seven days and on the last day, the procession is taken to the Beas River where a pile of wood and grass is set afire; symbolizing the burning of Ravana's Lanka.
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KulluDussehra Fastival[/caption]3. Dussehra in Mysore
To celebrate Dussehra or Dasara as it is locally know, in a 400-year-old festive way, Mysore is the place to visit. Here this 10 day long festival is traditionally celebrated by the royal family of Mysore, the Wodeyars and the city comes all alive during the fairs, celebrations and decorations. You can watch the Jumbo Savaari or the elephant procession, led by decorated royal elephants. It starts from the Mysore Palace and culminates at the Dasara parade ground.
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Dasara elephants being welcomed for Mysore dasara festival at Palace in Mysore on Monday.-KPN[/caption]So, to celebrate Dussehra differently this year you can visit any of these places and get in the mood of fun and celebration.