Known by various names such as Dussehra in North India, Dasara in the South, Dashain in Nepal, and Galungan in Bali, Vijayadashami is marked by diverse symbols and observances. In the Eastern regions of Bharat, it signifies the victory of Devi Durga over the shapeshifting demon Mahishasura, who, as legend has it, could not be defeated by any man. Thus, the pantheon of deities concentrated their powers to manifest the feminine form of Durga, enabling her to save the Universe. To celebrate this victory, devotees carry large, ornate clay statues of Durga in animated processions, eventually submerging them in a river or the ocean, acknowledging the eternal cycle of creation and dissolution. In the North, the festival celebrates Shri Rama’s triumph over Ravana, depicted in dramatic reenactments called Ramlila. Giant effigies of Ravana, constructed from paddy husks and sugarcane stalks, are burned at night to symbolize the eradication of evil and the victory of light. In Bali, similar narratives are expressed through the traditional Kecak dance and Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry). Buddhists observe this day differently, performing a ritual worship of Saraswati, the deity of Wisdom, to honor the day when Emperor Ashoka adopted a path of peace after much conquest and violence.

While all Dharmic festivals celebrate eternal qualities, they are always adapted to local contexts to engage diverse communities. Agriculturally, the period of Navaratri signifies the transition from the monsoon harvest to the winter sowing season, encouraging the vibrant exchange of produce, tools, and livestock, among farmers, traders, and artisans. The propitious economic alignment and positive vibes associated with this period have led to a tradition of new beginnings, such as the ritual sprouting of barley seeds in Nepal, the traditional initiation of new students (vidyarambham) from Gujrat to Kerala, or the acquisition of new investments.