Durga Puja Date in the current year: October 12, 2024

Durga is one of the most popular Hindu deities. She is the principal form of the Mother Goddess, also known as Shakti or Devi. The festival of Durga Puja commemorates the victory of Durga over Mahishasura, an evil buffalo demon. Thus, the holiday symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Durga Puja has been celebrated for centuries, but it became especially significant during the colonial period, when Durga became a symbol of the Indian independence movement. The celebration includes the worship of mother nature through nine plants that represent Durga's nine divine forms. During the festival, Durga's consort Shiva and her children are also worshiped.

Durga Puja lasts for five days. It is celebrated in September or October in the Gregorian calendar. As Durga Puja is the largest religious festival for Bengali Hindus, it is widely celebrated across Bangladesh. All educational institutions observe a five-day holiday, while the final day of the festival is a public holiday observed nationwide.