Hindus begin observing one of their most popular holidays, the nine-night festival of Navratri (October 1-10), which is devoted to the deity Durga and her various manifestations. Durga represents the divine forces used against evil. It’s a time of special prayers, fasting—and parties.

Jews begin observing their High Holidays with Rosh Hashanah, the New Year, which starts at sundown on Sunday (October 2). In Jerusalem, as is tradition, the Western Wall’s chief rabbi got ready for the New Year by clearing out notes to God left in the wall’s cracks. The notes are then buried at the Mount of Olives.

Watch our story on preparing for the High Holidays at a pop-up synagogue in New York City.