About Durga Puja
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Although India is a secular country, hinduism has been a dominant religion since the ancient times and attached to Hinduism are lots and lots of festivals. So, is Durga Puja.

Durga Puja symbolizes the victory of truth over evil. It is usually celebrated in the months of October or November after which comes Diwali - another festival of lights and colors. Durga Puja is celebrated for two mythological reasons:

1. Killing of Mahisasura by Goddess Durga and;
2. Return of Shri Rama from 14 years of Exile after killing Ravana

Death of Mahisasura
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In the ancient times, a demon king named "Mahisasura" gained boon through prolonged meditiation from Lord Brahma (Creator of Universe) that no one should be able to kill him: neither man noe any Deity. As a result, he started committing sins by killing people and also Deities. This created havoc. Even Lord of Deities "Lord Indra" was defeated.

To relieve themselves, Deities came to the trinity or "Trimurti" Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva for help. The Trimurit created a supreme power "Goddess Durga" who was blessed with face glow of Lord Shiva, ten arms from Lord Vishnu and legs from Lord Brahma along with other powers from other Gods.

After a fierce battle among the demons and Lord Durga, it was the turn of Mahisasura. Trying to kill Lord Durga by assumming various forms, was himself killed in the end by a trident with a spear end(given by Lord Shiva) in his chest.

Part from Ramayana
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The other reason which signifies Durga Puja is the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of Exile after killing the demon king Ravana. If one reads the Hindu epic "Ramayana", one can know that Rama, the King of Ayodhya was sent to 14 years of exile along with his wife Lord Sita and Brother Laksman. During the exile, Ravana, demon king of Lanka kidnapped Lord Sita. With the help of Monkey God Hanuman, Sugriv and their army of monkeys, Lord Sita was rescued by Rama from the clutches of Ravana after kiling him.

Celebration and rituals
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Durga Puja, although celebrated all over the India, is best in the Eastern part of India in the states of West Bengal and Orissa.

In Orissa, places like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are known for celebrating it since more the ancient times.

Cuttack, also known as the commercial capital of Orissa, celebrates Puja with the Goddess decorated in pure Gold and Pure Silver. Some pictures of the Goddess has been provided here. The city lightens up and glows during the Pujas with all kinds of exhibitions, fancy stuff and good food like dahi vada and alu dam, the most famous among the delicacies of Orissa. People dress up themselves with new dresses for those 4 days.

The typicality of Durga Puja is unlike other festivals where non-veg is not allowed, here the fish is considered as auspicious and is eaten during the Pujas.

On the 10th day of the Puja, Giant Ravana effigies are constructed and a person dressed up as Lord Rama ignites the fire which burns up Ravana signifying end of evil.

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