Durga Puja Festival is celebrated widely during the last five days of the most pious event of Navratri. Nowadays it is celebrated all over the world as people are settled in various parts of the world. It is one of the most awaited festivals for the people and is celebrated with true dedication and zeal. This year the auspicious celebrations begin from the 15^th October 2018 and will continue till the 19^th of October 2018.

The very first day of Durga Puja is the ritual of inviting Goddess Durga to the place where puja will take place is performed. This is one of the most significant rituals for the Puja. On the day Maha Ashtami, Balidaan is offered to Goddess Durga with the full faith and much enthusiasm. On the day of Navami, many people complete their fast and in the end, young girls are worshipped and are invited to homes for food and seeking their blessings. After this, Dussehra which is also called Vijayadashmi on the tenth day is celebrated as a big festival.

According to the Hindu scriptures, it is stated that Mother Parvati took the form of Durga to kill the demon named Mahishasura. As no gods were able to tackle this demon, Adishakti took the form of Durga and fought for 8 days and killed Mahishasur on the ninth day. Thus, the ninth day is dedicated to giving the goddess a holy bath and honouring her with sixteen types of offerings.

There is another story that states that Lord Rama had worshiped Goddess Durga for nine days before going to war with Ravana, and then finally on the tenth day Ravana was killed. Therefore, the festival of Vijayadashami is celebrated on the next day of Navratri. This day is celebrated to mark the victory over the evil spirits.