Coorg to Kullu: A travel guide for Hyderabadi's Dusshera outing

Hyderabad: Dussehra is celebrated in different ways all over India. Many Hyderabadis are using this long Dusshera weekend to travel to new destinations. Each Indian state celebrates the festival in its way. Hyderabadis take flights or travel by bus and train to reach their destinations of choice.

Telangana

Dusshera is the time when most of the people living in Hyderabad and urban regions of the state, head for their ancestral homes in rural areas and hinterlands. The villages in Telangana come alive with vibrant celebratory hues.

Mysore

In Karnataka, Dusshera is observed as a State festival and the royal family of Mysore performs special pooja. During Dusshera, the entire City of Mysore is colorfully decorated and illuminated. The Palace and other important buildings are lit up. Cultural programs by famous artists are arranged in the Palace along with Sports, Wrestling, Poet's meet, Food Festivals, and Film Festivals witnessed by a large number of people. Mysore is an enthralling destination for travelers during Dusshera. The illuminated Mysore Palace during the celebrations draws tourists from all over the world. Nearly Rs. 1 crore every year is spent towards maintenance of its illumination alone and more than 25,000 bulbs are replaced every year just before the festivities. The elephants for the processions also undergo training for the grand day. 12 jumbos march in the procession route from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap twice a day.

Coorg

Travelers also visit Coorg in Karnataka. The grand festival enjoys a long and interesting history about the supremacy of Haaleri Kings. This vibrant carnival-like festival is also known as Mariamma festival and people perform folk dances dedicated to Draupadi. It is one of the most unique ways to celebrate Dussehra in Karnataka. A parade is also organized in which dramas are performed which include gods, goddesses, demons, and elves.

West Bengal

Durga Puja or Dussehra in West Bengal transforms the entire state into a dynamic hub of activity. The festival holds great importance in the lives of every citizen of Kolkota. Various pandals with different themes and very creative idols of Goddess Durga along with other deities including Ganesh, Laxmi, and Saraswati are worshiped for 5 days. There are even eco-friendly pandals completely made of plants that have to be watered daily. People eagerly wait for this event all year long. Fervour and excitement are highest here and the city of Kolkota gets lakhs of tourists during Dusshera.

Gujarat

In the colorful state of Gujarat, Dussehra is celebrated as Navratri. Garba and dandiya, the famous folk dances with sticks are the main part of this festival. Garba is played throughout the night after worshiping Goddess Durga. Men and women wear colorful and traditional clothes.

Delhi

Delhi celebrates Dussehra as the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. Temples are decorated and Ram Leela is what visitors look forward to the most. Idols of the three demons Ravana, Meghanad, and Kumbhakaran are set on fire at various locations in the city. Watching Ramleela, a theatrical version of the Ramayana in Delhi is a beautiful experience. There are also many places in Delhi, where the Pandals of Goddess Durga are created.

Tamil Nadu

This state celebrates the festival by worshiping Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. It is also a chance to witness Golu or the festive display of dolls and figurines mounted on steps. Almost every house in Tamil Nadu arranges doll shows during Dussehra. At this time, married women invited each other to their homes in the evenings and gave them accessories related to matrimonial symbols. They also offer coconut, betel nuts, and money to each other.

Kullu

A Unique celebration of worshipping Lord Raghunath in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh for 7 days on the fairgrounds of Dhalpur Maidan by bringing statues of various Gods and goddesses in a grand holy procession which is a delight to watch.