Durga Puja: Worship Maa Durga

For the devotees of Durga Maa, the days of Navratri (and Durga Puja) are the most sacred days of the year. Ten days of Durga Puja are usually celebrated every year in late September or early October. The exact dates may change every year depending on the Lunar Calendar. Exact dates may vary by region, it is essential to check with your local temple or priest.

Durga Puja is a 10-day festival, but the last five days are the most important. These days are called Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami. During this time, people worship not just Maa Durga, but also other gods like Saraswati, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Kartikeya.

Note that Navratri and Durga Puja overlap. Although both these periods are devoted to Maa Durga, it is essential to understand what they mean and whether these two terms can be used interchangeably. 

Navratri (Nine Nights), as explained here, celebrates the power of the divine feminine and the victory of good over evil. It honors Maa Durga in nine forms (Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri), whereas Durga Puja is all about worshipping Maa Durga.