During the ten days of celebrations, the story of Lord Ram is enacted in dances and dramas (Ramlila, the story of Rama) all over North India. On the last (tenth) day, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkaran, and his son, Meghnath, are packed with firecrackers and burnt at sunset. Large crowds gather to watch the effigies being burnt.

Dussehra is a grand occasion in Mysore. Caparisoned elephants lead a colorful procession through the streets of the city.

In Bengal, Dussehra is celebrated as Durga Puja, the Goddess Durga being the consort of Lord Shiva. Durga Puja is mostly a community affair and almost every colony or locality in Bengal erects tents for the grand puja. The city of Calcutta hardly sleeps during the last five days. Many cultural events are organized during this period. Dhunuchi nritya or 'the dance with effervescent smoke' is a traditional dance performed in front of the idol to the beat of the dhaki or traditional drums. The annual visit of the Goddess Durga is thought to bring well-being and happiness. Because of her auspicious presence, no meat, wine or alcohol is consumed at this time. Some people fast for all the days. Everyone is expected to have new clothes for the festival. Durga Puja is also celebrated with enthusiasm by Bengalis living outside Bengal.

During Navratri or the nine days preceding Dussera people worship the Mother Goddess or 'Devi Ma'. She is worshipped in all her 3 forms - as Saraswati (the goddess of all creative art and speech, and consort of Brahma, the creator), Lakshmi (the goddess of fortune, granter of peace of wealth, and the consort of Vishnu, the preserver), and Parvati (the most powerful and complex of all goddesses, and consort of Shiva, the destroyer). People also worship the tools of their trade.

In Gujarat Navratri is a community affair. Young girls, resplendent in chaniya cholis dance away the night doing the traditional Garbha dance or Dandiya Raas.