Durga Puja is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, especially in the eastern states of West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. It is a ten-day festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor by Hindus all over the world. This festival celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The dates of Durga Puja vary according to the Hindu calendar, but it generally falls in the month of September or October.As per the Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga is believed to be an embodiment of divine feminine power and is worshipped as the ultimate symbol of strength and bravery. She is also known as the mother goddess who protects her devotees from all kinds of evils and blesses them with prosperity, happiness, and success. The festival of Durga Puja is not just a religious celebration, but it is also a cultural extravaganza that brings people of all backgrounds and communities together to celebrate the victory of good over evil. The dates of Durga Puja are determined by the lunar calendar and vary each year. According to the Hindu calendar, Durga Puja falls on the tenth day of the waxing moon during the month of Ashvin, which is usually in September or October. The festival of Durga Puja lasts for ten days, with the last four days being the most important. The first day is known as Mahalaya, which marks the beginning of the festival and the invocation of Goddess Durga. The next five days are known as Shashthi, Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Vijaya Dashami, respectively. On the tenth day, the idol of Goddess Durga is immersed in the river, signifying her return to her divine abode. During these ten days, people decorate their houses and pandals (temporary structures) with colorful lights, flowers, and intricate artwork. Traditional rituals and prayers are performed daily to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. The festival is also marked by cultural programs, including traditional folk dances, music, and dramas. The highlight of Durga Puja is the grand puja (worship) of the idol of Goddess Durga that is performed on Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. This is followed by offering food (bhog) to the goddess, which is then distributed among the devotees as prasad (blessed food). The atmosphere during Durga Puja is vibrant and full of joy, with people dressed in new clothes, visiting different pandals, and indulging in delicious sweets. The festival of Durga Puja is not just limited to India but is celebrated with equal zeal and enthusiasm across the world by the Hindu diaspora. In recent years, Durga Puja has also gained popularity among non-Hindus, with people from different faiths coming together to celebrate the festival and learn about the culture and traditions associated with it. 
Durga Puja – The Celebration of Good over Evil
