
Dussehra or Dassera is one festival with many tales. It marks the end of the nine-day battle between Ram and Ravan. It is also celebrated as Vijaya Dashami and Bijoya among Bengalis, marking the end of Durga Puja. Indian mythology brings forward two parallel stories for Dussehra – Goddess Durga has finally killed the demon king Mahishasura, and the other wherein she departs the earth for her heavenly abode. However, the essence of Dussehra is the same: ‘victory of good over evil’, the stuff all inspiring stories are made of!
Every brand stands for good and thus finding a resonance with Dussehra is a must-do for them. This year has seen increased participation from Indian brands in varied sectors, when to comes to visual content marketing. Celebrating the triumph of good over evil, several brands found a creative sync with the festival this year on October 11. Fitness or insurance, gifting or ecommerce, brands have managed to carve their unique voice in one visual story.
We are quite impressed with the overall body of work in the Indian digital content marketing space, and feel delighted to present to you a list of the coolest visuals & gifs doled out this year for Dussehra:
OLX India
The used goods marketplace is hellbent on ridding our countrymen of ‘hoarding’ culture this Dussehra.
OLX wishes everyone a hoarding-free, happy and prosperous Dussehra. #OLX #HappyDussehra #goodoverbad #dussehra #VijayaDashami #Festival pic.twitter.com/x8SJfdio89
— OLX India (@OLX_India) October 11, 2016
Amul
The dairy products maker gets it puns right every time.
#Amul Topical: Happy Dussehra. pic.twitter.com/ccMOiFiI3W
— Amul.coop (@Amul_Coop) October 10, 2016
Flipkart
The ecommerce major takes help of a bubble wrap to help you ‘pop’ the evil out.
Here's wishing you love, goodness and positivity. Have a great Dussehra! pic.twitter.com/76yUgPRnOL
— Flipkart (@Flipkart) October 11, 2016
Woo
The dating app keeps it really cool with this currently relevant and popular theme: ‘No means No’ from the movie Pink.
You always have a choice. #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/C4ujxS2hof
— Woo (@TheWooApp) October 11, 2016
Grabon
The coupons and deals site takes a lighter route to fighting evil (read expensive items!).
This Dusshera cut down on cost and save huge! #HappyDussehra #SaveOnGrabOn https://t.co/GjO4YEAqpL pic.twitter.com/717Fj2lVtU
— GrabOn (@GrabOnIn) October 10, 2016
Coolpad India
Coolpad captures the many evils faced by the smartphone generation. The victorious arrow must be a Coolpad smartphone!
We wish all of you a very #HappyDussehra ! May this occasion bring a lot of happiness in your life. pic.twitter.com/PV5KbbEp62
— Coolpad India (@CoolpadInd) October 11, 2016
Ola
Ola helps you beat the evils of travel as seen in this gif; what about the biggest evil: less road space and more vehicles.
Wishing you all the happiness and fulfillment of all your dreams. Happy Dussehra to each one of you from Ola. pic.twitter.com/co5azu88Gc
— Ola (@Olacabs) October 10, 2016
Horlicks Oats
The oats maker urges you to burn calories to win over your health.
This Dusshera, let the healthy choices triumph over the evil calories. #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/3YiUZ4cR44
— Horlicks Oats (@HorlicksOats) October 11, 2016
Nescafe
The coffee maker reiterates its ‘Stay Started’ philosophy well tuned with Dussehra.
This Dussehra, may you find the inspiration to #StayStarted on your path. pic.twitter.com/PAj5K57YGi
— NESCAFÉ India (@NESCAFEIndia) October 11, 2016
Zomato
Yes, ordering food must have been a nightmare for Ravan, just as a headache would have been for him!
New users get 20% OFF – use code GET20 pic.twitter.com/XSRjupEfLr
— Zomato India (@ZomatoIN) October 11, 2016
Axis Bank
The bank has created a nice console style game to fight evil in this gif.
See evil. Hear evil. And then fight evil! Say good-bye to all the negativity in your life! #HappyDussehra, everyone! pic.twitter.com/lnR5dCdwGY
— Axis Bank (@AxisBank) October 11, 2016
Organic India
The organic foods maker finds a relevant brand connect establishing its products are pesticide free!
ORGANIC INDIA wishes you a victorious Vijaydashmi. #Dussehra pic.twitter.com/QOVVEq5U0I
— ORGANIC INDIA (@OrganicIndia) October 11, 2016
Happydent
A smile is the only curve that makes everything straight. Nice take by the Perfetti Van Melle gum brand.
Because the best way to overcome evil is with a smile #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/Ous8sNbhmP
— Happydent (@HappydentGum) October 11, 2016
Karvy Stock
The stock market is unpredictable. The stock broking services company demonstrates this creatively through each of Ravan’s head making ten different and conflicting investment decisions!
This #Dussehra win over your #finances with Karvy Stock Broking Limited! pic.twitter.com/4tw7O4qbBe
— KarvyStock Community (@KarvyStock) October 11, 2016
IndiaMART
The online marketplace demonstrates how all supplier and buyer problems faced at competing marketplaces are solved at IndiaMART.
IndiaMART pe milega har Problem ka Solution. Log onto https://t.co/JI2QoUCBi9 #ProblemsKaTheEnd #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/JzJrgkmK8V
— IndiaMART (@IndiaMART) October 11, 2016
Lenskart
Ravan models for Lenskart in this visual, but I wonder why is he in a bathrobe?!
This #Dussehra, celebrate the triumph of some exciting badass #frames over the old boring ones! Happy Dusshera!#Lenskart #EyewearFashion pic.twitter.com/JULOzxc7kn
— Lenskart (@Lenskart_com) October 11, 2016
Fujifilm India
The camera maker captures the essence of clicking pictures of a festival in this gif.
Wishing you all #HappyDussehra… pic.twitter.com/IgfPnlygCC
— Fujifilm India (@Fujifilm_India) October 12, 2016
JustDial
The local search engine keeps it localized this Dussehra.
विजयदशमी की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं pic.twitter.com/UBTQYRpHmw
— Justdial (@Just_Dial) October 11, 2016
Chevrolet India
The first step to destroying the evil within us is simply ‘driving safe’. Chevrolet India has been championing this cause since some time now.
#ChevroletIndia wishes everyone a Happy Dussehra! Let’s take a pledge to drive safe and spread bright smiles on this auspicious day. pic.twitter.com/fJXX1zGI3a
— Chevrolet India (@Chevroletindia) October 11, 2016
OYO
The doodle style illustration by the budget hotel chain is quite interesting.
We wish everyone a #HappyDussehra! Let's celebrate the victory of #GoodOverEvil by getting rid of the evils inside each one of us. pic.twitter.com/Xn7gi85VbN
— OYO (@oyorooms) October 11, 2016
eBay India
We love this fun take by eBay. Ravan is left completely indecisive by each of his heads’ shopping ideas.
Make the most of this festive season; grab offers when you can. Happy Dusshera! pic.twitter.com/7L0Q7jBqav
— eBay India (@ebayindia) October 11, 2016
Godrej Security Solutions
The security solutions has pitched well for its home surveillance system.
Celebrate the triumph of good over evil with Godrej SeeThru Quadra! https://t.co/25uw1kCZFM #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/aJyQ5So0JR
— Godrej Security (@godrejsecure) October 11, 2016
Pulse Candy
The everyone’s favourite little candy keeps it simple.
Pulse wishes all a very #Happydussehra pic.twitter.com/Ez6MMVnfVl
— Pulse (@PassPass_Pulse) October 11, 2016
Yatra
Each of Ravan’s heads point to the many travel woes we all face, Of course, Yatra is the one-stop solution!
One answer to all the voices in your head. Make instant travel plans with https://t.co/d2VJL8OowS. Wishing you a #HappyDussehra. pic.twitter.com/y67IPVLqgf
— Yatra.com (@YatraOfficial) October 11, 2016
FreeCharge
Digital money and easy gifting go hand in hand.
Wallet woes aren’t your concern anymore! Enjoy gifting like never before this Dussehra with Freecharge. pic.twitter.com/5Z8QLuOAhW
— FreeCharge (@FreeCharge) October 11, 2016
Cox & Kings India
The holidays brand rolled out a series of Dussehra celebration styles in different parts of the country.
#Dussehra in Kullu is a week long festival that witnesses 4-5 lakh tourists per year!#IndiaCelebratesDussehra pic.twitter.com/t4n04soRGz
— Cox & Kings (@coxandkingsIN) October 11, 2016
#Dussehra in Kota involves 75 feet tall effigies of Ravana being burnt by villagers dressed in their finest. pic.twitter.com/K3dSL5Kh6k
— Cox & Kings (@coxandkingsIN) October 11, 2016
MuscleBlaze
Fast food brands are not going to like what this supplement maker is telling you to do!
Let this Dussehra, be the victory of good over evil.#HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/zCCVTsMur9
— MuscleBlaze (@MuscleBlaze) October 11, 2016
Moto India
Moto goes for a simple gif.
Celebrating the triumphant spirit of goodness over evil, this #Dussehra.#HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/PbLkZ9NW3b
— Moto India (@Moto_IND) October 11, 2016
Tata Coffee Grand
The coffee maker believes drinking more coffee can help you fight evil, I wonder about the caffeine in ten cups of coffee!
Ready! A few extra cups to help you fight evil today.#HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/CjcX7693mD
— Tata Coffee Grand (@tatacoffeegrand) October 11, 2016
Saffola
The maker of edible oils wants to build a community of healthy food enthusiasts: the Fit Foodies, and this gif sits perfectly well with the link.
Celebrate #Dussehra by winning over unhealthy food with our deliciously healthy recipes- https://t.co/ghqBx02iz2 pic.twitter.com/4pAlUnWeQ5
— Saffola Fit Foodie (@theFit_Foodie) October 11, 2016
Hero Moto Corp
Nice illustrative gif with a cool play on the letter ‘S’ by this motor cycle maker.
As #LordRama defeats #Raavan on #Dussehra, we wish that you may defeat all the evils in your life. #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/x97BulNl6t
— Hero MotoCorp (@HeroMotoCorp) October 11, 2016
Tata Value Homes
The housing property brand celebrates the spirit of homecoming.
Begin the auspicious season of homecoming with Tata Value Homes. Wishing you all a very happy #Dussehra pic.twitter.com/gljaM2CxJq
— Tata Value Homes (@Tata_ValueHomes) October 11, 2016
Club Mahindra
The holiday brand chooses a minimal yet distinct brand connect here.
Lets celebrate the victory of good over evil. #HappyDusshera pic.twitter.com/Cio5A9m5u3
— Club Mahindra (@clubmahindra) October 11, 2016
Mumbai Indians
The IPL franchise keeps it interesting for its cricket loving fans.
Here’s wishing our Paltan a #HappyDussehra! pic.twitter.com/l1AUuQS0Z0
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) October 11, 2016
Yes Bank
The bank keeps it interactive for users.
Click to reveal the victory of good over evil! May this Dussehra bring in happiness and prosperity in your life. #HappyDussehra! pic.twitter.com/qAFTsBkxVg
— YES BANK (@YESBANK) October 11, 2016
Vistara
Vistara defines the ‘new feeling’ in this clever copy capturing the spirit of Dussehra.
May your destination always be the greater good of everyone:) #HappyDussehra to all! pic.twitter.com/M0zvkLJwrH
— Vistara (@airvistara) October 11, 2016
Meru Cabs
A visually appealing gif by Meru.
May this day, light up for you! The hopes of happy times & dreams for a year full of smiles. Meru Cabs wishes you a #HappyDussehra! pic.twitter.com/s9DPhks4pF
— Meru Cabs (@MeruCabs) October 11, 2016
Sterling Holidays
The holiday brand keeps it interesting.
#Dussehra is a time for victory of good over evil. #HappyDussehra
Explore #holidays at https://t.co/ulOzYYOTxJ pic.twitter.com/Si9fkzlX2a— Sterling Holidays (@WorldOfSterling) October 11, 2016
HDFC Bank
The bank demonstrates how PayZapp can help you tackle your monthly bills zoop se!
Win over the monthly Ravan of our lives, with PayZapp. Download now: https://t.co/4ymeINgGO9 #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/GY5AGoEO5a
— HDFC Bank (@HDFC_Bank) October 10, 2016
Kurkure
The snack maker shows off its new flavours.
Apne favourite tyohaaron aur family reunions mein daalo Kurkure ka Chatpata zaika! #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/upzYTiNvuR
— Kurkure (@KurkureSnacks) October 11, 2016
Urzza
The energy drink from Bisleri wants you to make a smart choice.
Remember, good always wins. #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/ueySNJ4j3a
— Urzza (@UrzzaPower) October 11, 2016
Universal Sompo
The general insurance brand, in this gif, shows the different kinds of cover it can provide you with.
Like good always wins over every evil, insurance will help you overcome any of these evils! #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/jBjiWlsFwW
— Universal Sompo (@Universal_Sompo) October 11, 2016
Dhara
The edible oil brand keeps it simple.
Lets celebrate the victory of good over evil. Dhara wishes you all a Happy Dussehra. pic.twitter.com/IhO5m3YeRC
— Dhara cooking oil (@DharaCookingOil) October 11, 2016
Vodafone India
The carrier wants you to break away from bad habits.
Defeating evil make the best stories. #BeSuper and share your tale of victory over a bad habit. pic.twitter.com/XRigOAR7qf
— Vodafone India (@VodafoneIN) October 11, 2016
Commonfloor
The housing portal plays with its logo.
May this Dussehra, light up for You. The hopes of happy times, and dreams for a year full of #smiles! wish you #HappyDussehra @commonfloor pic.twitter.com/LGOrRVNxU1
— CommonFloor.com (@commonfloor) October 11, 2016
Snapdeal
The newly rebranded ecommerce company finds new definitions for its new tagline.
This Dussehra, unbox goodness, #UnboxZindagi! #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/PnlQcNEopR
— Snapdeal (@snapdeal) October 11, 2016
Karvy Wealth
The investment help brand takes a minimal route to establish a smart connect.
On this auspicious occasion, we wish the bliss of this festival be with you throughout the year. Happy #Dussehra! pic.twitter.com/nKvKV0StbZ
— Karvy's WealthLeague (@KarvyWealth) October 11, 2016
Havmor
Burning away evil with the goodness of ice cream.
Burn away the negativity with some ice cream, the true goodness our world deserves. #HappyDusshera pic.twitter.com/zxlWn0vo4q
— Havmor Ice Cream (@HavmorIceCreams) October 11, 2016
Philips Sound
This sound devices maker makes a smart pitch for its wireless headphones.
Wishing a very #HappyDussehra to all of you. May this auspicious occasion brings lot of happiness to your family! 🙂 pic.twitter.com/aa3odP0zAO
— Philips Sound (@PhilipsSoundIN) October 11, 2016
IndiGO
An appealing pixel-inspired visual by the airlines.
#Happydussehra pic.twitter.com/oaeBdfMqoa
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) October 11, 2016
Mentos India
Sweet product placement. And an indication to the brand’s ‘being smart’ message.
You know there is always one way to win. #HappyDusshera! pic.twitter.com/m9wl3YKxw2
— Mentos India (@IndiaMentos) October 11, 2016
Micromax
Quite a funny one by Micromax!
Micromax wishes you all a joyous & prosperous Dussehra! pic.twitter.com/swuYJ3w0Oe
— Micromax India (@Micromax_Mobile) October 11, 2016
IDFC Bank
The bank lets its users ‘digitally destroy Ravana’. A gif depicts arrows being shot at Ravana on a spinning wheel in the colours of IDFC. Users had to pause the GIF when the arrow hits exactly on Ravana and share a screenshot to win gift vouchers.
Take a screenshot when the arrow hits Raavan and share it using #DigitalDussehra. #HappyDussehra T&C: https://t.co/c3c5fXojYU pic.twitter.com/xIBnj0967K
— IDFC_Bank (@IDFC_Bank) October 11, 2016
Viacom18
Nice artwork by the media brand.
To the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. To new beginnings blessed with hope and well-being. #HappyDussehra everyone! pic.twitter.com/siEyHX7tHx
— Viacom18 (@viacom18) October 11, 2016
Kurlon
Clever connect by the mattress maker.
Straighten your back. It’s festival time. Happy #DurgaPuja. #Kurlotsav pic.twitter.com/z3rvT69oA2
— Kurlon Limited (@KurlonLimited) October 10, 2016
Dulux
The paint brand showers you with colours of success and victory.
This Dussehra may your life be filled with hues of success and victory. Dulux wishes you all a #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/3boSCkaTzn
— Dulux India (@DuluxIndia) October 11, 2016
HarperCollins India
The publisher is the only one with a different take; its set of visuals throw light on Ravan’s skills and knowledge.
https://twitter.com/HarperCollinsIN/status/785721651358994432
Westside
A very minimal one by the chain of retail stores.
Celebrating the eternal victory of good over evil today. #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/3zgyEI501M
— Westside (@WestsideStores) October 11, 2016
Intex
Home grown manufacturer of smartphones, electronic appliances and IT accessories rolls out an interesting gif with a visual connect.
A time for celebration, A time for victory of good over bad, A time when world see the example of power of good. #HappyDussehra #VijayDashmi pic.twitter.com/LGYbfhgKKi
— Intex Technologies (@IntexBrand) October 11, 2016
Zoomcar
The car rental brand runs a mini road safety campaign in this visual.
Let us vow to defeat the Ravana on the roads and let good triumph over evil! Zoomcar wishes everyone a very Happy Dussehra! pic.twitter.com/x9sOoF4ppr
— Zoomcar (@ZoomCarIndia) October 11, 2016
Karpersky India
Those are the popular computer viruses you could get protection from.
May this joyous festival of #Dussehra bring you and you family blessings of #Health #Happiness & #Success. We wish you #HappyDussehra 🙂 pic.twitter.com/zzUkbOqHL1
— Kaspersky Lab India (@kasperskylabind) October 11, 2016
MTR
The spice maker wants you to make healthy food choices.
This #Dusshera, explore & satisfy your taste buds with the healthiest vegetarian delights at https://t.co/q4j72O6Nkt. pic.twitter.com/ycP4d7MW6b
— MTR Dishcovery (@MTR_Dishcovery) October 11, 2016
Jet Airways
Simple, appealing and use of brand colours makes this interesting.
Here’s to new beginnings! #HappyDussehra
How are you celebrating Dussehra? pic.twitter.com/lQmA2RvrUq— Jet Airways (@jetairways) October 11, 2016
SpiceJet
Smart use of brand colours makes this interesting.
SpiceJet wishes everyone a Happy Dussehra. #SpiceJet #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/JXNzfxyDsl
— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) October 11, 2016
CenturyPly
The plywood maker reiterates its tagline.
A feehratival that tells us good is always #SabSaheMastRahe and prevails over evil. Happy Dussehra to everyone. #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/Hpz6t5O9Ji
— CenturyPlyIndia (@CenturyPlyIndia) October 11, 2016
Wai Wai
The instant noodles brand is at rescue for your hunger pangs.
Celebrate this festival of joy with 10X the enthusiasm! #HappyDussehra #TasteFullDilHouseful pic.twitter.com/FgT1ThUqem
— Wai Wai (@waiwaiindia) October 11, 2016
Opera India
I thought the mobile browser would play with its ‘O’, but this is cool too.
Enjoy the victory of truth over evil. We wish you all a very happy #Dussehra! 🙂 pic.twitter.com/pgkg9jgbfp
— Opera India (@OperaIndia) October 11, 2016
Crossword Bookstores
The bookstore uses brand colours; however the font size in that copy is too tiny.
#HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/xnxpp9x7qB
— Crossword Bookstores (@crossword_book) October 11, 2016
Pizza Express India
Simple yet cool brand connect. Check out where the pizzas are!
Wishing everyone a bright & blithe Dussehra. #HappyDussehra pic.twitter.com/FcMlXhczKC
— PizzaExpress India (@PizzaExpressIN) October 11, 2016
Godrej Appliances
The appliances brand keeps it interesting.
Let the brightness of Dussehra envelop you and ornament the coming year! Godrej Appliances wishes all a #HappyDussehra! pic.twitter.com/DUm9Yw2IbB
— Godrej Appliances (@GodrejAppliance) October 11, 2016
Aircel
Ravan’s ten heads are all excited with Aircel’s offer.
We wish you all a very #HappyDussehra. pic.twitter.com/XQVAE0IeDr
— Aircel (@Aircel) October 11, 2016
Bingo
Nice product placement in this gif!
We wish you and your family the best of health, wealth and prosperity. #HappyDussehra to you. pic.twitter.com/KzjNBIWGiL
— Bingo! (@BingoSnacks) October 11, 2016
Godrej Aer
Good smell always wins over bad smell with the help of Godrej Aer.
Our 6 car fragrances celebrate #Dussehra a little differently from the rest.
Get them here – https://t.co/yqsaPnZe30 pic.twitter.com/Fg1lPDFSH5— Godrej aer (@godrejaer) October 11, 2016
Sony India
Sony takes a simple yet visually appealing route.
May this Dusshera light up for you, hopes for happy times and dreams for a year full of smiles! Sony India wishes you a very #HappyDusshera! pic.twitter.com/cFYWMzbBXP
— Sony India (@sony_india) October 11, 2016
Don’t forget to share your favourites with us.
Do note that we do not have an algorithm or a dedicated bot that scans the whole of social media for the most creative visuals; we make our humanly possible best efforts to hunt for these visuals and as they say, ‘to err is human’, we might miss out on a few good visuals. Do contribute to complete the gaps. Do share only brand visuals that you believe are worth a mention here because they are creative, visually appealing, or have a good brand connect.
Feature image credit: Sudarsan Pattnaik