From Mysuru's pageantry to Kerala's first letters, South India celebrates Navratri and Dussehra's many traditions - DD India

In Karnataka, the city of Mysuru hosted its traditional Navratri festivities with elaborate processions, decorated elephants, and nightly performances of folk dances. The event attracted tourists and local devotees who gathered around the palace grounds to watch the illuminated floats and listen to live music that accompanied the ritual worship of the goddess Durga. Organisers coordinated with municipal authorities to ensure crowd safety and provide amenities for the thousands who attended each evening.

Further south, Kerala introduced a series of literary gatherings that coincided with the Dussehra period, marking the first time such events were linked to the festival in the state. Local writers, poets, and scholars presented works that explored themes of good versus evil, a narrative central to Dussehra celebrations across India. The initiative was supported by cultural ministries and aimed to draw younger audiences into both the literary and religious aspects of the holiday.

Across the region, markets filled with seasonal goods, from handcrafted ornaments in Tamil Nadu to traditional sweets in Andhra Pradesh. Families prepared elaborate meals and set up decorative displays in their homes, following customs that have been passed down for generations. The varied observances underscore how Navratri and Dussehra serve as both religious observances and opportunities for community bonding, reinforcing cultural identity throughout South India.