Vijayadashami, also known as Dasahara, Dasara, Dashain, Dashami, and Dusshera, is a festival that is celebrated nation-wide, but like its many names, it is also observed in varied ways across regions. While for most, the festival is significant because it marks the end of Ramleela and Lord Ram's victory over Ravana, over the years, it has come to signify different things for different communities — a season of good harvest for some, the victory of good over evil for some, and for some, it's simply merry-making. We speak with four Mumbai-based home chefs from different communities, in a bid to understand how these cultural nuances and traditions have transcended into their respective kitchens.

The Gujju way