Durga Puja, also known as Sharadotsav, is one of the most vibrant and significant festivals celebrated in India, especially in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, and Bangladesh. This grand festival honors Goddess Durga, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It is observed in the month of Ashwin (September-October) and lasts for five days, starting from Shasthi and ending on Vijaya Dashami.
During Durga Puja, beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga are placed in artistic pandals. Devotees perform rituals, prayers, and cultural programs, while the entire city lights up with decorations and festivities. Special dishes, music, and dance add charm to the celebration. On Dashami, idols are immersed in rivers or water bodies, marking the farewell of the goddess.
Durga Puja is not just a religious festival but a cultural extravaganza that brings families, friends, and communities together in joy and devotion.