Dussehra celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is an auspicious time that you must celebrate with your family and loved ones. Below are some dishes that you can make this year and host an unforgettable gathering.

Dussehra or Vijayadashmi is celebrated for two reasons, but the gist of the story remains the same - good always wins over evil. It culminates the celebration of Navratri and Durga Pujo, and also kickstarts the countdown to Diwali. Marked by great pomp and show, the celebrations are vibrant with kids running around the streets, crafting effigies of Ravana at home, and bursting small crackers. People across all walks of life come together to celebrate this auspicious day with their family and loved ones.

Significance of Dussehra Festival In 2025

According to the Hindu mythology, Dussehra was the day when Lord Rama killed the demon king Ravana. Another legend says that it was the same day when Goddess Durga killed Demon Mahishasura; hence, it is also referred to as Vijayadashmi. In both tales, the moral was that good always wins over evil, irrespective of how powerful the other side is. It symbolises the protective and destructive powers of the divine Shakti. For decades, Dussehra has been marked by burning effigies of Ravana, Meghnad (his son), and Kumbhakarna (his brother). Ramleela is also organised in theatres and on the roadside to narrate the Ramayana.

Traditional Dussehra Food Ideas

Dishes

Description

Puri-Chana Masala

In North India, puri and chana masala are the common dishes prepared across households. Soft, deep-fried puris made with wheat are served with boiled and spiced chana.

Pulihora and Sunadal

In South India, the celebration of Dussehra calls for cooking pulihora (tamarind rice) and sunadal. Pulihora, as the name suggests, is a tangy dish that is offered as prasadam in temples. In Tamil Nadu, sunadal is a unique preparation that includes preparing different types of lentils and legumes together.

Luchi and Alor Dom

In West Bengal, people make luchi (deep-fried, soft puri) and spiced potato gravy - a popular combination known for its rich and flavorful taste.

Chaat

In Varanasi and many parts of Uttar Pradesh, people indulge in various kinds of chaat dishes, like tamatar chaat, malaiyo, kachori sabzi, etc.

Koli Curry-Vade

In Karnataka, Dussehra is known as Madikeri Dasara. People prepare regional dishes like koli (chicken) curry, vada, bonda, and more.

Dal Bati Churma, Kachori, and Mirchi Vada

In Rajasthan, people enjoy traditional dishes on Dussehra like dal bato churma, mirchi vada, pyaaz kachori, dal kachori, etc.

Siddu

In Himachal Pradesh, siddu takes the centre stage during Dussehra celebrations. Apart from that, people indulge in yoghurt-based chickpea curry, pakoras, etc.

Sweets

Different sweets are savoured across different parts of India - mittha (Himachal Pradesh), mahua ladoos (Chhattisgarh), ghewar (Rajasthan), payasam (Tamil Nadu), rasmalai (Uttar Pradesh), puran poli (Gujarat, Maharashtra), balushahi (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar), besan ladoo (Madhya Pradesh), and shrikhand (West Bengal) among others.

This Dussehra, you should add a little extra effort by making popular dishes at home and invite your friends and family for a gastronomic ride in your dining room. You can begin with the easiest recipes, including,

Kheer

Pulihora

Puri Sabz

Puran Poli

Shrikhand

Kachori

Healthy & Quick Snacks for Dussehra Gatherings

During the festival season, people often tend to indulge a little extra in fried food and sweets. If you are conscious about your health and want to enjoy festive treats without guilt, ahead are a few options for your taste buds. You can also use Prestige Air Fryers to cook oil-free fried foods and keep your snacks light and healthy.

Fruit chaat

Baked aloo chaat

Roasted makhana

Yoghurt parfait

Sprouts chaat

Sundal

Dahi vada

Sweet potato chaat

Festive Décor Ideas for Dussehra 2025

Dussehra is not associated with decorating homes, but it is more about visiting loved ones, going to the park to see effigies burning, or exploring theatres where Ramleela is being performed. However, if you are hosting, you can consider,

  1. Adding lanterns around the house
  2. Decorate walls with fairy lights
  3. Add vibrant cushion covers and curtains
  4. Use fresh flowers to decorate the dining
  5. Install hand-painted diyas
  6. Make rangoli outside the house

How To Decorate Kitchen & Dining Space For Guests

When you are the host, you want everything to be perfect, especially the dining space and the kitchen, because that’s where you will be spending most of the time with your guests. A few decor tips might come in handy this festive season,

  1. Use fresh flowers for the centre pieces on the dining table
  2. Arrange crockery just as restaurants do
  3. Keep the kitchen clean and everything arranged
  4. Add some flowers to the kitchen
  5. Use clean and complementary table linens
  6. Add greenery in the spaces using herb jars and potted plants
  7. Create a separate beverage bar

Best Useful Dussehra Kitchen Appliances 2025 Gifting Ideas

  1. Rice Cooker
  2. OTG
  3. Air Fryer
  4. Induction Cooktop
  5. Electric Kettle
  6. Double Induction

Dussehra 2025 Safety & Cleaning Tips

During Dussehra, you have to take care of yourself as well as opt for a few tricks that can help you achieve a spotless space without putting in too much effort. Ahead are some safety and cleaning tips,

  1. Use quality ghee while cooking
  2. Keep a safe distance from diyas or effigies when they are burning
  3. Avoid overloading sockets
  4. Use fresh ingredients
  5. Declutter the space
  6. Manage waste
  7. Post celebrations, clean linens, remove wilted flowers, and store diyas and candles

Why Dussehra is the Right Time to Upgrade Your Kitchen

Dussehra is an auspicious time to bring new appliances, gadgets, and tools into the home. It has a cultural as well as practical significance. Apart from this, there are a few other reasons why this is the best time to spruce up your kitchen.

  1. Unbeatable discounts
  2. Pre-Diwali home upgrade
  3. Improve cooking experience
  4. Celebrate Dussehra 2025 with Prestige

For any kind of kitchen and dining upgrade, there is no one better than Prestige. You can explore hundreds of cookware, kitchen appliances, cooking appliances, home appliances, accessories, and pressure cookers. Explore Prestige Shubhutsav Offers - Get up-to 35%* off and a free gift. (*T&C apply)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What do you cook on Dussehra?

A) Festive sweets and savouries include,

  1. Besan ladoo
  2. Puran poli
  3. Chhole puri
  4. Rice kheer
  5. Coconut ladoo
  6. Payasam
  7. Luchi and alor dom
  8. Siddu
  9. Sunadal

2) How to decorate a home for Dussehra?

A) To decorate your home on Dussehra,

  1. Add diffusers

  2. Keep fresh flowers in vases

  3. Install colourful lighting

  4. Place diyas on tables

  5. Make rangoli

3) Which colour is best for Dussehra?

A) Every Hindu festival has a few auspicious colours associated with it. When celebrating Dussehra, you should wear

  1. Yellow

  2. Green

  3. Red

  4. Orange

4) What is auspicious to buy on Dussehra?

A) On Dussehra, you can purchase

  1. Gold

  2. Cooking appliances

  3. Home appliances

  4. Silver

  5. Vehicles

  6. Homes

  7. Gadgets

5) What are some Prestige appliances you can buy on Dussehra?

A) On Dussehra, you can elevate your dining and kitchen space with the following Prestige appliances,

  1. OTG

  2. Induction

  3. Air Fryer

  4. Electric Kettle