Navratri is a colourful Hindu festival celebrated for nine nights to worship Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. It represents the victory of good over evil and is marked by fasting, prayers, devotion, and joyful dance. The festival takes place twice a year—Chaitra Navratri in spring and Sharad Navratri in autumn. Each day is devoted to a different form of the goddess, highlighting qualities such as strength, wisdom, purity, and prosperity.
The word Navratri means “nine nights,” and it holds deep spiritual importance in Hindu culture. The festival recalls the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising courage and righteousness. Across India, communities come together to celebrate with rituals, music, Garba, Dandiya, and other cultural traditions, making it a blend of faith, festivity, and unity.
General GK on Durga Puja
Q: Durga Puja is mainly celebrated in which Indian state?
A: West Bengal
Q: Durga Puja is also known as?
A: Durgotsav
Q: Durga Puja is celebrated in which month?
A: September–October
Q: Durga Puja is celebrated in which Hindu month?
A: Ashwin
Q: Durga Puja is a festival of how many days?
A: 10 days
Q: What is the last day of Durga Puja called?
A: Vijaya Dashami / Dussehra
Q: Goddess Durga is shown riding which animal?
A: Lion
Q: Who killed the demon Mahishasura?
A: Goddess Durga
Q: Durga Puja marks the victory of?
A: Good over evil
Q: In Durga Puja, how many forms of Durga are worshipped?
A: Nine forms (Navadurga)
Rituals & Worship
Q: What is the first day of Durga Puja called?
A: Mahalaya
Q: On Mahalaya, people listen to which famous radio program?
A: Mahishasura Mardini
Q: The face of Goddess Durga is unveiled on which day?
A: Maha Shashthi
Q: The most important four days of Durga Puja are?
A: Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami
Q: The ritual of planting nine types of seeds is called?
A: Navapatrika
Q: Kumari Puja is done on which day?
A: Maha Ashtami
Q: On Ashtami, what important ritual is performed?
A: Sandhi Puja
Q: The tenth day of Durga Puja is known as?
A: Vijaya Dashami
Q: What is the ritual of immersing Durga idols in water called?
A: Visarjan
Q: Sindoor Khela is performed by whom?
A: Married women
Culture & Celebrations
Q: Durga Puja pandals are decorated with?
A: Idols, lights, and themes
Q: In Bengal, eating fish and sweets during Durga Puja is a tradition. Name a popular sweet.
A: Rosogolla / Sandesh
Q: What is the special drum played during Durga Puja?
A: Dhak
Q: The person who plays the dhak is called?
A: Dhaki
Q: What dance is performed during dhunuchi?
A: Dhunuchi Naach
Q: In West Bengal, people greet each other after immersion with the words?
A: “Shubho Bijoya”
Q: What is the main flower used in Durga Puja rituals?
A: Kash flowers
Q: Lighting lamps in pandals is called?
A: Aarti
Q: The five weapons of Goddess Durga are known as?
A: Trishul, Chakra, Sword, Bow & Arrow, Thunderbolt
Q: Goddess Durga is also known as?
A: Mahishasuramardini
Mythology & Legends
Q: Who created Goddess Durga to kill Mahishasura?
A: All the gods together
Q: Durga was given her weapons by?
A: Different gods
Q: Durga is believed to be the daughter of?
A: Himalaya and Menaka
Q: In Bengal, Durga is considered as the daughter coming to her?
A: Maternal home
Q: Mahishasura took the form of which animal?
A: Buffalo
Q: Goddess Durga has how many hands?
A: Ten
Q: Who is the husband of Goddess Durga?
A: Lord Shiva
Q: Who are the four children of Durga worshipped during Puja?
A: Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, Kartikeya
Q: The lion of Durga represents?
A: Power and determination
Q: The demon Mahishasura represents?
A: Ego and evil
Historical & Modern Facts
Q: Which Mughal emperor granted land to celebrate Durga Puja?
A: Akbar
Q: Durga Puja became popular in Bengal during which century?
A: 16th century
Q: The first grand Durga Puja was organized by whom?
A: Zamindars of Dinajpur & Malda
Q: Durga Puja in Kolkata is famous for?
A: Theme pandals
Q: UNESCO added Durga Puja of Kolkata to which list?
A: Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2021)
Q: Which city in India is called the “Cultural capital” due to Durga Puja?
A: Kolkata
Q: During British rule, Durga Puja became a place for?
A: Social and political gatherings
Q: In modern times, Durga Puja pandals are sponsored by?
A: Clubs and communities
Q: In Delhi, Durga Puja is mainly celebrated by?
A: Bengali communities
Q: Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata are compared to?
A: Art galleries