Key days during Durga Puja
The rituals of Durga Puja last ten days with the start and the last five days being special festivals that are refelected in public holidays in some states in India.
Mahalaya
Mahalaya marks the start of the Durga Puja festival.
Maha Saptami
On the seventh day (saptami) of Durga Puja, the goddess started her epic battle against Mahishasura. In 2019 Saptami of Durga Puja is celebrated on in .
Durga Ashtami
This is the eighth day of Durga Puja celebrations, when the weapons used by Durga are worshipped.
Vijaya Dashami
Aalso known as Dashain or Tenth day of Navratri or Durgotsav, Vijaya Dashami commemorates the day that Durga appeared riding a lion to slay the Mahisasura. Statutes of Durga are paraded through the streets, then immersed in water. In 2019 Vijaya Dashami is celebrated on in . In , this day is celebrated as Durga Puja on October 19th.