OT Staff
Kolkata's Durga Puja is one of the most grand and culturally immersive celebrations in India. The entire city is lit up with elaborate pandals (temporary shrines), beautiful idols of Goddess Durga, traditional music, and dance performances. You can also indulge in Bengali sweets and street food.
The holy city of Varanasi is magical during Diwali. Thousands of lamps are lit along the ghats of the Ganges, and the sky is filled with fireworks. The spiritual ambiance and aarti (prayers) performed at the ghats add a divine touch.
Jaipur’s Dussehra festival is a regal celebration with grand processions, decorated elephants, and Ramlila performances. The burning of Ravana effigies marks the victory of good over evil.
Mysuru Dasara is renowned for its grand celebrations, including a royal procession with the deity Chamundeshwari on an elephant, cultural performances, and illuminated palaces.
Gujarat is famous for its energetic Garba and Dandiya dance performances during Navratri. Ahmedabad transforms into a lively dance arena with colorful costumes, traditional music, and vibrant festivals.
Diwali in Amritsar is special because it coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, a Sikh celebration. The Golden Temple is illuminated beautifully, and the surrounding area is filled with lights and fireworks.
For a more spiritual and serene Diwali celebration, Rishikesh is a great choice. The ghats of the Ganges River are lit up with diyas (lamps), and the evening aarti during Diwali is a soulful experience.
Bastar Dussehra is a unique tribal festival that lasts for 75 days. The region showcases its indigenous culture with processions, sacrifices, and vibrant rituals dedicated to local deities.
Kullu celebrates Dussehra differently, with a week-long festival where local deities are carried in procession. The beauty of the Himachal mountains and the cultural immersion in Kullu’s festivities make it a fantastic October destination.
The Kulasai Dussehra festival Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India. Unlike the more widespread forms of Dussehra, the Kulasai Dussehra worships of the Goddess Mutharamman.
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