Durga Puja
The primary goddess revered during Durga Puja is Durga but celebrations also include other major deities of Hinduism such as Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity), Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge and music), Ganesha (the god of good beginnings), and Kartikeya (the god of war). In Bengali and Odia traditions, these deities are considered to be Durga's children and Durga Puja is believed to commemorate Durga's visit to her natal home with her beloved children. In today's time, the importance of Durga Puja is as much as a social and cultural festival as a religious one, wherever it is observed.