Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura. It is one of the most popular festivals in India, and is especially celebrated in the states of West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha. The festival takes place over a period of 10 days, beginning on Mahalaya, the first day of Navratri. On the last day of the festival, the idols of Durga and her children are immersed in a river or pond. Durga is a multi-faceted goddess who represents many different aspects of Shakti, the divine feminine energy. She is often depicted as a ten-armed warrior riding a lion, and she is armed with weapons that represent her power over evil. The story of Durga's victory over Mahishasura is a metaphor for the triumph of good over evil, and it is a reminder that even the most powerful demons can be defeated by the forces of good. Durga Puja is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. The festival is marked by a number of religious rituals, including the installation of the idols of Durga and her children, the offering of prayers and sacrifices, and the singing of hymns. There are also a number of cultural events that take place during Durga Puja, such as music, dance, and theatre performances. In West Bengal, Durga Puja is also a time for community bonding. Neighborhoods come together to organize and decorate pandals, or temporary temples, where the idols of Durga are installed. The pandals are often elaborately decorated, and some of them even have themes. Durga Puja is a vibrant and colorful festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm in India. It is a time for family and friends to come together, to celebrate the victory of good over evil, and to seek blessings from the goddess Durga.