Durga Puja is celebrated in the month of Ashvin, for five days. Here's everything you need to know about important dates.

Mahalaya marks the official beginning of Durga Puja festivities, signalling the arrival of Goddess Durga to Earth.

The nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped on the nine days of Navratri whereas Durga Puja celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasur. Navratri begins with worshipping Shailputri – the first avatar of Goddess Durga whereas Durga Puja begins with Mahalaya, a day when the battle between Durga and Mahishasura began.

Ashtami Puja, which falls on the eighth day of Durga Puja, is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. On this day, worshippers make offerings of the favoured local bhog recipes to goddess Durga.

The first day of Navratri 2023, known as Prathama, is dedicated to the worship of Maa Shailputri, the initial form of the Hindu goddess Durga. On this special day, devotees participate in Ghatasthapana,