Durga Pooja is the greatest Hindu festival in India. It takes place in the autumn season. During the festival, the Great Goddess Durga is worshiped for three consecutive days, and the image is immersed on the fourth day in the river or tank.

The Hindus wear new clothes, eat good food, distribute sweets, and embrace their friends and relatives with love and affection, forgetting the past differences, if any. During the festival, people from neighbouring states visit Bengal, especially Kolkata, where Durga Pooja is held in individual houses, and also in public places with joint efforts, with great pomp and grandeur. Durga Pooja is held also in other cities of India. It is held also in London and New York, where many Indians reside.

Goddess Durga is adored as the most powerful Hindu deity who is the bestowed of strength, prosperity, and all the best gifts in life. Her devotees pray to her for various boons which are expected to be fulfilled.

The story of Devi Durga is found in the Markandeya Purina composed by Rishis Markandeya.