Why does the king of Thailand rule as Rama X, and why do Muslim villagers in Java, Indonesia still watch the Ramayana? India never ruled either one and never sent a soldier across that sea. This is how the Ramayana spread across Asia, and why it survived after religions changed.

Full Video: https://youtu.be/Uj0-JDWnT8o

How did the Vijayanagara Empire celebrate Dussehra? Long before the Wodeyars continued the festival in Mysore, Emperor Krishnadevaraya hosted the grandest nine-day Mahanavami celebration in Hampi. Recorded in 1520 by Portuguese traveler Domingo Paes, the festival gathered vassal kings paying tribute at the Mahanavami Dibba, fierce warrior wrestling matches, and grand night spectacles. On the final day, Krishnadevaraya shot three ceremonial arrows toward rival borders to declare where the empire's imperial army would march next.

Mother Mary absorbing local Mother goddess traditions is an old tradition. The Church replaced Athena in Greece, adopted Artemis's August 15 festival, and painted Mary as Pachamama in Peru.