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"navrati

In these regions, Navratri is referred to as Durga Puja. As per the holy scriptures, the demon king Mahishasura ardently worshipped Lord Siva and attained immense powers. He went on to commit atrocities on people. The holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva combined their powers and created goddess Durga to safeguard the world from the demon.

Mahishasur was attracted to the goddess and requested her to marry him. She agreed to do so if he could defeat her in a battle. This battle is said to have lasted for nine nights, at the end of which the demon king was killed. These nine days were celebrated as Navratri.

Pandals are temporary theatrical stages that are set up in community squares and temples where Durga Puja is celebrated. During the nine days, Hindus remember their ancestors. Recitation of scriptures, family visits to pandals and temples, and processions are some of the common sights during Durga Puja celebrations in the eastern parts of India. On the tenth day, a procession marks the ceremonial farewell to goddess Durga. The clay statues are immersed in a water body and women mark their faces with vermilion. Animal sacrifices are seen in some eastern states during Navratri celebrations.