Vijayadashami — literally 'the tenth day of victory' — falls on the tenth day (Dashami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of Ashwayuja (also called Ashwin) month. The festival commemorates multiple victories of good over evil: Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo-demon Mahishasura (after nine nights of battle during Navaratri), Lord Rama's victory over Ravana (as described in the Ramayana), and the Pandavas retrieving their weapons from the Shami tree after their year of incognito exile. Each tradition celebrates a different aspect of this triumph.

Bommala Koluvu: The Telugu Tradition

One of the most distinctive Vijayadashami traditions in Telugu households is the Bommala Koluvu — an arrangement of traditional dolls and figurines on tiered wooden steps (Golu). Families display idols representing deities, scenes from mythology, and traditional life arranged on 3, 5, 7, or 9 steps (always odd numbers, considered auspicious). The Koluvu is set up on the first day of Navaratri and dismantled after Vijayadashami. Visiting neighbours' Koluvu displays, singing traditional songs (Harikathalu), and exchanging Sundal (a spiced chickpea dish) are part of the tradition.

Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja

The day before Vijayadashami — Navami — is Ayudha Puja day. Vehicles, tools, machines, and professional instruments are cleaned, decorated with flowers and kumkum, and worshipped. Mechanics worship their tools, farmers worship their ploughs, and IT professionals in modern times worship their laptops. Saraswati Puja is also performed on this day — books, musical instruments, and educational materials are placed before the goddess. The next morning (Vijayadashami) is Vidyarambham — the auspicious day to begin learning.

Ravana Dahan and the Way South Celebrates

In North India, Vijayadashami sees the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad. In South India (including Telugu states), the emphasis is more on Bommala Koluvu, Shami Puja (worshipping the Shami tree by exchanging leaves — symbolising taking back one's strength), Aksharabhyasam for children, and temple processions of the goddess in her victorious form. Many families perform a Seema Lanjghan — crossing a boundary on this day while chanting Vijaya mantras, symbolising a new beginning.