Navratri, Durga Puja celebrations begin following prayers

Sep 29, 2019

Kalahandi (Odisha), Sep 29 (ANI): Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations began after formal prayers on September 29. Entry was open for devotees to offer prayers with the beginning of festive season in Odisha’s Kalahandi. A special cultural programme is also held here for 9 days to entertain the devotees. On first day of Navratri, devotees offer prayers to Shailaputri, an avatar of Goddess Parvati. On the other hand, first day of Durga Puja is called Mahalaya, the beginning of war between Goddess Durga and demon Mahishasura. Where Navratri is celebrated for nine days and is followed by Dussehra, victory of Lord Rama over demon Ravana, Durga Puja is celebrated for 10 days, victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura.