The puja is performed in homes and public, the latter featuring a temporary stage and structural decorations (known as pandals). The festival is also marked by scripture recitations, performance arts, revelry, gift-giving, family visits, feasting, and public processions called a melā.[8][23][24] Durga Puja is an important festival in the Shaktism tradition of Hinduism.[25][26][27] Durga Puja which is celebrated as Gosani Yatra in Puri. In this festival of Puri, several big clay idols of Mahisasuramardini Durga are worshipped every year in the month of Ashvin (October).
As per Hindu scriptures, the festival marks the victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting Demon, Mahishasura.[28][29][A] Thus, the festival epitomizes the victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.[31][32] Durga Puja coincides with Navaratri and Dussehra celebrations observed by other traditions of Hinduism
