She is 'Shakti', the cosmic energy which animates all beings. According to a Puranic legend attached to this day, the mighty demon Mahisasur, vanquished the gods and their king, Indra, who subsequently fled, leaving behind their kingdoms. They then approached the Holy Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who decided to destroy the megalomaniac demon, and thus prayed to the divine mother Durga to do the needful. Equipped with lethal weapons, riding a ferocious lion, the Goddess in all her awesome majesty, vanquished the evil one without much ado. This day, thus, also celebrates the magnificence and omnipotence of Goddess Durga.
Women traditionally exchange gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets.
Scenes culled from various stories in the epics and puranas are displayed. Traditionally women and children, and now men too visit their friends and acquaintances during these 10 days. The whole set up is put up on the very first day of Navaratri. After the Saraswati pooja on the ninth day, the whole set up is taken down on Vijayadashmi. Vijayadashami is an auspicious occasion for children to commence their education in classical dance and music, and to pay homage to their teachers.