Vijayadashami (Dussehra)

Two, and which one you're told depends on where you are. In the north, Rama killed Ravana on this day after nine nights of battle. In the east and parts of the south, Durga killed Mahishasura after nine nights, hence Navratri preceding it.

In the north, Ramlila performances for nine nights culminating in giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna burned at sunset. In Bengal, Durga's immersion, with sindoor khela, married women smearing each other with vermilion, before the idols leave. Weapons and tools are worshipped (ayudha puja); vehicles are bought; children begin school.

Jalebi and fafda in Gujarat, specifically on this day. Bengali sweets and shubho bijoya visits. In the south, sundal and the Golu doll display closes.

This is one of the most regionally divergent festivals in India. Mysore Dasara is a state festival with the Jamboo Savari elephant procession and an illuminated palace. Kullu Dussehra in Himachal starts when everyone else's ends. Bengal's is the close of Durga Puja. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka hold Ayudha Puja and the Golu display. Nepal keeps it as Dashain over fifteen days.