Did You Know These Differences Between Durga Puja and Navratri?

Come Autumn and festivities are in the air!! Durga Puja and Navratri, the two Hindu festivals of East and North India respectively coincide with each other and are celebrated with equal pomp and vigour across the country. Both last for a period of nine days, are distinct and yet differ in rituals

Navratri, as the name suggests, is celebrated for a period of nine days while Durga Puja is celebrated for 10 days.  

During Navratri Goddess Durga is worshipped in her 9 forms and culminates with Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana. Durga Puja is observed to mark the victory of Goddess
Durga over the demon Mahishasur. 

During Navratri devotees fast and abstain from consuming eggs, meat, onion and garlic. However, during Durga Puja people enjoy a variety of authentic Bengali non-vegetarian delicacies

Mahalaya is the first day of Durga Puja. It’s the day when the battle between Durga and Mahishasura is said to have begun. Navratri opens by worshipping Shailputri, the first avatar of
Goddess Durga

Sindoor Khela or the vermillion game marks the end of Durga Puja. In this the married women put sindoor or the vermillion on each other before immersing the idol of Durga. After immersion people wish Vijayadashami to each other.  On the other hand, Ramlila concludes on Dusshehra day. Effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarana and Meghnath are burnt symbolising victory over evil. 

Source: News 18