Before beginning the auspicious ceremony of pulling the rath, the descendants of Ranjit Singh circle it and pray. On the last day of the festival, the chariot of Raghunathji is drawn amidst fanfare to the banks of the river Beas. Here a pile of wood and grass is set on fire to symbolize the burning of Lanka and five animals-a crab, a cock, a fish, a buffalo and a male goat are sacrificed. The people then immerse themselves in revelry. Lugri, the traditional Kullu drink, flows by the gallon.
Women traditionally exchange gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets.
Vijayadasami is also considered an auspicious occasion for children to commence their education in classical dance and music, and to pay homage to their teachers. In Mysore , it is celebrated with a pomp and pageantry reminiscent of medieval times. In Bengal and other parts of eastern India, Dussehra is celebrated as Durga Puja. Devotees wear new clothes and celebrate with music, dance and drama. On the last day, images of the warrior goddess are taken out in procession and immersed in a river or the sea.