Akal Bodhon : The worship of Ma Durga in the month of Ashwin is called 'Akalbodhan'. It's an uncustomary time for commencement of the worship. Traditionally durga puja is performed during the spring (Basanta). Ram did "Chandi Puja" before his war with Ravana despite the time of year not being right. He  invoked the blessings of Durga to kill Ravana. That's why Durga Puja is also called Akal Bodhon (untimely invocation). 

Sandhi puja : (108 'Dip' lighted)  It is being performed at the end moment of Ashtami and at the beginning of Nabami. At this time Devi Durga transformed into Devi Camunda to kill "Chando" and "Mundo", the two great generals of  Mahishasura (the Buffalo Demon ).   

Different Names of Durga Puja: As it's most important festival of bengali people, the puja is also performed under different names throughout the country. In South, she is worshipped as Amvika, in Gujrat as Hingula and Rudrani, as Uma in Bihar, as Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, and as Amva in Kashmir.

Puja Now and Then: Earlier Durga Puja was worshipped by rich and powerful people like Rajas and Landlords. But it has changed over the years. Now puja is being held by different clubs and societies  etc. It's significance has been reduced to minor. Conch Shells and Drums became less significance and film songs and disco getting much preferences. But on positive side animal sacrifices more or less disappeared. 

Puja Timings: Puja is celebrated in the month of September / October. The religious functions of Hindu Bengalis starts in the month of Aashin with the timings of the moon's movement, better known as 'Tithhi'. The schedule of Durga Puja is also framed on the basis of the 'Tithhi'.  

Sindur Khela (Vermillion game)- It's also one of the events on the day of Dashami. After Ma Durga is immersed married Bengali women apply vermilion to each other and men does 'Kolakuli'.  

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Durga Puja Orissa
It is one of the prime festivals of Orissa as well. People in Orissa celebrate it on a large scale and the Goddess Durga is among the sacred goddesses of Orissa.


Durga Puja Karnataka
It is celebrated in a grand way in this state.In Mysore, Dussehra is easily the most popular festival. Elephants are decked up with robes and jewelery and taken in processions through the streets of the city. In fact, many people visit Mysore from all over the country to watch this colorful event. There is also a floating festival in the temple tank at the foot of Chamundi Hill and a procession of chariots around the temple at the top.


Durga Puja Gujarat
Navratri is devoted to Amba mataji. In some homes, images of mataji are worshiped in accordance with accepted practice. This is also true of the temples, which usually have a constant stream of visitors from morning to night. The most common form of public celebration is the performance of garba and dandia-ras/ras-garba (a form of garba with sticks), Gujarat's popular folk-dance, late throughout the nights of these nine days in public squares, open grounds and streets.


Durga Puja Kerala
In Kerala, Durga Puja signifies the beginning of formal education for every child aged 3-5 years. While puja goes on in the temple for all ten days, it is only the concluding three days which are really important. Ashtami is the day of Ayudya Puja, when all the tools at home are worshiped. Custom dictates that no tools be used on this day. On navami, day, Goddess Saraswati is honored by worshiping the books and records at home.Thousands throng the Saraswati temple at Kottayam during this period to take a dip in the mysterious holy pond whose source is yet unknown. Large gatherings are also seen at the famous temples at Thekkegram (Palghat), in which there are no idols -- only huge mirrors. A devotee finds himself bowing before his own reflection which indicates that God is within us.


Durga Puja Kashmir
Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir but they celebrate their festivals with pomp and show. These days, festivities are subdued, though. The favorite deities of Kashmir are Lord Shiva and Serawali Ma Durga, the one who rides the tiger. Pundits and Muslims alike vouch that Navratri is important. No big pandals here, each Hindu house-hold does the pooja at home. All the adult members of the household fast on water. In the evenings, fruit may be taken. As elsewhere, Kashmiris grow barley in earthen pots. They believe that if the growth in this pot is good, there is prosperity all year.The most important ritual for Kashmiri Pandits is to visit the temple of guardian goddess Kheer Bhawani on all nine days. On the last day of Navratri, an aarti is held at the temple after which people break their fast. On Dussehra day, Ravana's effigy is burnt.