7 Global Cities That Are As Crazy About Celebrating Dussehra As We Are!

Visiting friends or travelling abroad for work during Dussehra? Fret not, for these global cities celebrate the festival with as much fanfare as us.
By Deepali Sharma

1. LONDON

   

The Dussehra celebrations in London mainly revolve around Bhaktivedanta Manor. Here, the star attraction is the 10-day-long Ramayana theatre play hosted by the city youths. The celebration culminates with the burning of the effigy of Ravana.

2. BANGKOK

   

It’s no secret that Bangkok has a fair share of Indians, especially Hindus. Therefore, the celebrations here begin with traditional rituals, followed by colourful procession and dance performances on the street. As devotees carry the palanquin bearing the statue of Lord Rama, fellow Indians join in the celebration by dancing along the procession.

3. AUCKLAND

   

If you’re in New Zealand, Auckland is the place to be during Dussehra. The Indian community here organises vibrant cultural programmes, including different dance forms of India, such as Gidda, Garba, and Bharatnatyam. The celebrations end with the burning of Ravana’s effigy.

4. NEW JERSEY

   

The celebrations here are as big as any other Indian city. From vibrant dance performances to Ramleela enacted by Navrang Dance Academy, the Indian community makes sure it captures all the colours of the festival. The food stalls selling traditional Indian delicacies, such as Jalebi, is another attraction at the festival.

5. COLOMBO

   

Since Ravana hailed from Sri Lanka, the celebrations here are on a rather impressive level. Celebrating the victory of good over evil, Hindus here burn the effigy of Ravana, along with his brothers Meghnath and Kumbakaran.

6. GUYANA

   

Here, the Indo-Caribbean community celebrates both Durga Puja and Dussehra with equal fervour. Celebrations include organising Ramleela and overnight prayer ceremonies (jagran). Hosting a priest at home to conduct special prayers is also a common practice among Hindus here.

7. WIESBADEN

   

The Indian community in the German countryside of Wiesbaden rings in Dussehra and Navratri every year. The celebrations revolve around the Shree Peetha Nilaya ashram, where special prayers, meditation camps, and seva are organised as part of community activities.