How to Celebrate Dussehra with Buddy: A Guide for Travelers and Guides

Dussehra is one of the most important festivals in India, celebrated on the tenth day of the Hindu month of Ashwin. It marks the victory of good over evil, as it commemorates the day when Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, killed the demon king Ravana and rescued his wife Sita from his captivity.

The Ramayana is the epic poem that narrates the story of Rama and his adventures.
Dussehra is a time for cultural celebrations, reflection, and unity. People across India celebrate Dussehra in different ways, but they all share the common theme of honoring the triumph of righteousness over wickedness.

Dussehra is also a time to worship Goddess Durga, who represents the feminine power and energy.
If you are looking for a unique and memorable way to celebrate Dussehra, you should try Buddy, a web app where tourists and travel guides can find each other and explore the diverse regions of India during Dussehra. Buddy is a platform that connects you with local experts who can show you the best places to visit, the most exciting activities to do, and the most authentic events to attend during Dussehra. Whether you are a traveler who wants to experience the rich culture and heritage of India, or a guide who wants to share your knowledge and passion with others, Buddy is the perfect app for you.

- North India: In North India, Dussehra is celebrated by burning effigies of Ravana, the demon king who abducted Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. This symbolizes the triumph of Rama over Ravana and the restoration of dharma (righteousness). People also watch Ramlila, a theatrical performance of the epic Ramayana, which depicts the life and adventures of Rama. Some of the best places to witness the spectacular Ravan Dahan (burning of Ravana) and Ramlila are Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Jaipur. You can also enjoy the festive atmosphere, food stalls, games, and cultural programs at various venues.

- Uttar Pradesh: In Uttar Pradesh, Dussehra is celebrated by performing Ramlila plays in various towns and villages. Ramlila is a traditional art form that narrates the story of Ramayana through songs, dialogues, costumes, and props.

The plays are usually performed by local artists and last for several days or even weeks. Some of the most famous and oldest Ramlila plays are held in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Ramnagar, and Vrindavan. You can also visit the temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita in these places and seek their blessings.

- South India: In South India, Dussehra is celebrated by worshipping weapons and vehicles on the ninth day of the festival, known as Ayudha Puja or Astra Puja.

This ritual is done to honor the tools and instruments that help people in their daily lives and professions. People also decorate their homes with dolls and figurines of gods and goddesses, known as Golu or Bommai Kolu. This display represents the divine presence and power in the household. Some of the best places to experience the South Indian Dussehra are Mysore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore. You can also witness the grand processions, cultural shows, exhibitions, and fireworks that take place during this festival.

- West India: In West India, Dussehra is celebrated by participating in processions and fairs that showcase the culture and heritage of the region. People also perform Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are folk dances that involve colorful costumes, sticks, and rhythmic movements.

These dances are done to worship Goddess Durga and celebrate her victory over Mahishasura, the buffalo demon. Some of the best places to enjoy the West Indian Dussehra are Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mumbai, Pune, and Goa. You can also indulge in the delicious cuisines, handicrafts, music, and art that are part of this festival.

- Nepal: In Nepal, Dussehra is celebrated as Dashain or Vijaya Dashami, which is the biggest and most important festival for Nepalese Hindus. It is a time for family reunion, worship, sacrifice, and blessing. People fly kites, play cards, swing on bamboo swings, and receive tika (a red mark on the forehead) and jamara (a sacred yellow grass) from their elders as a sign of respect and prosperity. Some of the best places to visit during Dashain are Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bhaktapur, Patan, and Chitwan. You can also explore the natural beauty, cultural diversity, and historical sites of Nepal during this festival.

It is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil in different ways across India. As a traveler or a guide, you have the opportunity to experience and share the culture, traditions, and beliefs of the people celebrating Dussehra. However, you also have the responsibility to respect and appreciate the diversity and richness of this festival. Here are some dos and don’ts for travelers and guides during Dussehra:
Do dress appropriately.

Dussehra is a religious and cultural festival, so you should wear clothes that are modest, comfortable, and respectful of the local customs. Avoid wearing anything that is too revealing, tight, or offensive. You can also wear traditional or ethnic outfits that match the region and occasion, such as kurta-pyjama, saree, lehenga-choli, or dhoti.

Don’t litter.

Dussehra is a time to celebrate the environment and nature, as well as the divine forces. You should not throw away any garbage, plastic, or waste on the streets, parks, or water bodies. You should also avoid using firecrackers, as they cause noise and air pollution. Instead, you should use eco-friendly alternatives, such as candles, lamps, or flowers.
Do follow safety guidelines. Dussehra involves many activities and events that can be fun but also risky, such as burning effigies, flying kites, swinging on swings, or participating in processions.

You should follow the safety guidelines and precautions given by the authorities, organizers, or guides. You should also keep an eye on your belongings and valuables, as there may be crowds or thieves.

Don’t take photos or videos without permission. Dussehra is a festival that showcases the art and culture of India, so you may be tempted to capture every moment with your camera or phone. However, you should not take photos or videos of people, places, or things without asking for permission first. Some people may not want to be photographed or filmed for personal or religious reasons. Some places may have restrictions or rules regarding photography or videography. You should respect the privacy and sentiments of others and follow the etiquette.

Do learn some basic phrases in the local language. Dussehra is a festival that brings people together from different backgrounds and regions. You can enhance your communication and interaction with others by learning some basic phrases in the local language. For example, you can learn how to say hello (namaste), thank you (dhanyavad), happy Dussehra (Dussehra ki shubhkamnaye), or how are you (aap kaise hain) in Hindi. You can also use Buddy’s chat feature to translate your messages to and from the local language.
Don’t be rude or disrespectful.

Dussehra is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, so you should not be rude or disrespectful to anyone or anything during this festival. You should not make fun of, mock, or criticize the beliefs, practices, or customs of others. You should not harm or hurt any animals, plants, or objects that are part of the festival. You should be courteous and friendly to everyone you meet and appreciate their hospitality and generosity.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can be a responsible and respectful traveler or guide during Dussehra. You can also enjoy and share the best Dussehra experience with Buddy. Happy Dussehra! 🎉