Dussehra Celebration in India​

Visitors are treated to some of the most striking experiences in India as they witness history and faith come together. During this festival, Dussehra celebrations in Uttar Pradesh feature Ram Lila performances held across the state, where actors enact episodes from the Ramayana in front of large audiences. These performances build up to a dramatic finale in cities like Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur, where large effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad, crafted from bamboo and cloth, are set ablaze. It is an unforgettable experience to be in the middle of families cheering as fireworks go off inside the burning figures.

In Varanasi, you can follow the Ram Lila for 31 days, following the story which takes place in various parts of the city. In Lucknow and Kanpur, you can spend the evenings walking around brightly lit grounds, browsing shops, and waiting with locals for the incredible Ravan Dahan performance.Dussehra in Uttar Pradesh is one of the most spectacular celebrations among all Dussehra celebrations in India.

At home, food adds another dimension to the experience, where you can try Kheer, Besan Laddoos, Phirni, Halwa, and Paan, while also tasting hot Kachoris and crispy Namkeens from outdoor stalls. Join the prayers, enjoy the festive delicacies, and walk through the elaborate fairs to witness the traditions and togetherness, which make Dussehra celebrations in Uttar Pradesh extremely special.
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Famous Places For Dussehra In Uttar Pradesh

01

Vrindavan

In Vrindavan, Dussehra centres on devotion and temple rituals rather than the burning of effigies. Visitors can explore prominent temples like Banke Bihari, ISKCON, and Prem Mandir, where the atmosphere comes alive with spiritual music, devotional songs, and vibrant religious ceremonies.

Visitors can enjoy Ram Lila performances that depict scenes from the Ramayana. In the nine days leading up to the festival, devotees often observe fasts alongside fellow worshippers.
As you stroll around temple courtyards and streets, observe people assembling for prayers and ceremonies. Also, you can taste traditional sweets like peda, motichoor laddoo, ghevar, soan papdi, and besan laddoo by visiting markets and fairs in the area. 

You can experience the unique spirit of Dussehra in Uttar Pradesh by offering prayers, tasting festive sweets, and visiting beautifully decorated temples.
Specific Locations: ISKCON Temple (Sri Krishna-Balaram Mandir), Prem Mandir, Bankey Bihari Temple.

Timings: 5 PM - 9 PM

Highlights: Ram Leela, Prayers to Lord Krishna, no burning of Ravana effigy.

Also Checkout: Best Places to visit in Vrindavan

02

Ayodhya

Ayodhya is a must-visit destination for experiencing one of the grandest Dussehra celebrations in Uttar Pradesh, commemorating Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. During this period, Ramleela performances bring scenes from the Ramayana to life for spectators. 

The Ram Temple and Sarayu Riverfront are beautifully adorned with lights and rows of diyas along the river and temple grounds. Devotional songs and aartis fill the air, while cultural performances, music, and dance add to the festive atmosphere. 

Visitors and locals alike join in prayers, watch vibrant processions, and explore bustling fairs, making the celebration a truly immersive experience of devotion and culture.
Specific Locations: Ram Temple, Sarayu Waterfront, Ram Katha Park.

Timings: Evenings 5 PM onwards.

Highlights: burning Ravana effigy at Ram Katha Park, Ramleela, lighting diyas at Sarayu Riverfront, and chanting aartis.
03

Varanasi

The Dussehra celebrations in Varanasi showcase the city’s deep-rooted devotion and cultural traditions. At Ramnagar Fort, the month-long Ramleela enacts the Ramayana in open-air settings, with audiences following the performances from one stage to another. 

Along the Ghats of the Ganges, visitors can take part in the evening Ganga Aarti, light a diya, or join devotees in a holy dip. On Dussehra night, massive effigies of Ravana are burned, and the following morning, Nati Imli hosts the Bharat Milaap ceremony, celebrating Lord Rama’s reunion with his brother Bharat. 

With its rituals, performances, and riverfront festivities, the Dussehra celebrations in Varanasi provide an immersive experience that captures the city’s spiritual and cultural essence.

Specific Locations: Ramnagar Fort, Nati Imli, Ganges Ghats.

Timings: Evening 6 PM onwards.

Highlights: holy dips, Bharat Milaaps, Ravana effigy burning, Ramlila performances.
04

Kanpur

Kanpur’s Parade Ground is the focal point for Dussehra celebrations in Uttar Pradesh, where the city comes alive with energy and devotion. Here, Ram Leela performances bring the Ramayana to life, with actors portraying Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman in dramatic reenactments. 

On the final night, massive effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna are set ablaze, lighting up the sky with fireworks. As the flames rise, crowds join in chanting and cheering, celebrating the triumph of good over evil in a truly festive atmosphere.

Specific Locations: Parade Ground, Motijheel, Kalyanpur, Saket Nagar, Gujaini, Kidwai Nagar.

Timings: Evenings 5 PM onwards.

Highlights: Ravan Dahan, Ramleela performances.
05

Lucknow

Lucknow celebrates Dussehra with grand Ravan Dahan events and Ramleela performances across the city. At Aishbagh Ramleela Ground, actors perform scenes from the Ramayana, bringing the story to life. 
On the final night, huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are burned amid fireworks, their glow reflecting over the Gomti River. The fair at Jhulelal Park offers food, games, and handicrafts. 

Aliganj Ramleela Ground gives a close community feel, while the Cantonment Area adds a modern touch with creative fireworks. Dussehra in Lucknow blends tradition, fun, and festive excitement.

Specific Locations: Aliganj Ramleela Ground, Cantonment Area, Aishbagh Ramleela Ground, Jhulelal Park.

Timings: Evenings 5:30 PM onwards.

Highlights: Ramleela, Ram Dahan, fairs, pyrotechnics.

People Also Ask About Uttar Pradesh

  1. How does Uttar Pradesh celebrate Dussehra?

    Dussehra celebrations in Uttar Pradesh are held with huge enthusiasm in cities like Varanasi, Lucknow, Ayodhya, and Kanpur. During this time, you can see the grand Ram Leela being staged with actors performing the roles of Ram, Lakshman, and Hanuman. These shows use lights and sound effects, which then end with the burning of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran statues before cheering crowds.
  2. How is Dussehra celebrated in Varanasi?

    Dussehra in Varanasi is celebrated with devotion, featuring the famous Ramnagar Ramleela along the Ganga, supported by the Kashi Naresh. This centuries-old play shows the Ramayana over several weeks and ends with Rama’s victory over Ravana. On the final day, you can see huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran being burnt.
  3. How is Dussehra celebrated in Ayodhya?

    Dussehra celebrations in Uttar Pradesh are the grandest in Ayodhya, as it honours the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana. During this time, you can watch Ramlila performances across the city, and join aartis at Shree Ram Janmabhoomi and Hanuman Garhi. You can also see streets lit with lamps and fireworks apart from tasting festive sweets.
  4. In which state was Ravan born?

    Ravana was born in Bisrakh, Uttar Pradesh, to the Brahmin sage Vishrava and the Rakshasa princess Kaikasi during the Treta Yuga. Locals believe the name of the village comes from Vishrava, and it is considered the birthplace of Ravana. Thus, this makes Bisrakh an important site in the history of Ramayana.
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