One of the most important and extensively observed Hindu holidays is Durga Puja, sometimes referred to as Durgotsava or Navratri, particularly in the Indian state of West Bengal and among Bengali communities around the world. This year's 2023 Durgotsav begins on October 20 and ends on October 24. It pays tribute and worships Goddess Durga, who is revered as the mother of the cosmos and is thought to represent the sacred feminine force. Usually held during the ten-day Navaratri festival period in the month of Ashwin (September or October), Durga Puja takes place. The final five days of the celebration, which culminate on Vijayadashami (Dussehra), are the most important.

Worship of Goddess Durga: The main purpose of Durga Puja is to honor Goddess Durga, who is pictured as a ten-armed warrior goddess who vanquishes the monster Mahishasura by riding a lion or tiger. The celebration represents the victory of good over evil. Durga Puja has intricate ceremonies and pujas. Chanting mantras and presenting flowers, incense, lamps, and other objects to the goddess are all part of these rites. During the holiday, devotees worship, fast, and practice meditation. Durga Puja is not only a religious festival but also a cultural extravaganza. It features a wide range of cultural events, including music, dance, drama, and art exhibitions. It's a time for artistic expression and creativity. Everyone is dressed in their best traditional attire and it is a season to celebrate and spend time with family.

The idols are submerged in rivers or other bodies of water to symbolize the festival's conclusion. Grand processions and cultural celebrations go hand in hand with this procedure. It's a means of saying goodbye to Goddess Durga as she makes her way back to heaven. In addition to being a religious celebration, Durga Puja is an important social and cultural occasion that promotes a sense of belonging. People gather during this time to commemorate the triumph of good over evil and the divine feminine spirit.

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