India, Oct. 7 -- For many Indians, Dussehra means a giant Ravana going up in flames. But the festival is celebrated differently across the country. In Mysuru, Goddess Chamundeshwari is taken out in a grand procession, while in Kullu, people bring their village deities to join the celebrations. In Bastar, Dussehra does not involve burning Ravana at all. So, why is the festival celebrated so differently across India?

In many parts of north India, Dussehra is linked to the story of the Ramayana. During Ramlila, people perform scenes from the story of Lord Rama and Ravana. On the last day, Ravana and other characters are burnt in many places to mark Rama's victory.

According to UNESCO, Ramlila is a traditional performance of the Ramayana in...