vijayadashami, celebrated in a variety of ways in south india, is seen as a day to express gratitude for success in life. Celebrations range from worshipping Durga to displaying colorful figurines, known as a golu. To respect the deities' sacrifices, hindus revere munities (small statues of gods and goddesses) during festivals.
vijayadashami is important to the telugu household. For life events, such as the beginning of a new business or the purchase of a new home or car, rituals are conducted to bless vehicles and other new items.Vijayadashami is an auspicious day for beginning formal education. students keep their books and workers their tools for pooja on the ninth day of Navaratri (Ayudhapooja) and these are taken back and used after pooja on Vijayadasami in many parts of south India.
In tamilnadu and kerala the ninth day of Navaratri is celebrated as Saraswati Pooja. The day begins with the pooja Veypu (worship) at home, in a traditional nursery school or at the local temple. On vijayadashami, Vidyarambam is celebrated when children begin their education. The child writes for the first time with their index finger on rice spread in a plate, guided by a family elder or by a teacher. Ayudha pooja, the blessing of tools used for work (ayudha means "tools") is also celebrated by businesses and factories at this time. The city of mysore has a long tradition of celebrating the dasara festival with utter grandeur and pomp to mark this day and the festivities there are an elaborate affair, attracting a large audience including foreigners. The dasara festival completed 400th anniversary in year 2010. The portrait of goddess Chamundeshwari was carried in a beautifully decorated wooden mantap mounted on the tusker. The Karadimajalu, Keelukunita, Dollukunita, Veeragase, Tattiraya troupes of folk artistes perform along the procession.
