Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava, is an annual Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, observed primarily in Bangladesh, Nepal, and several states of India. The festival commemorates Durga's victory over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It lasts for five days and is celebrated in September or October each year. During the festival, worshippers honor Durga and her divine forms through the worship of nine plants, as well as her consort Shiva and her children. The celebration has historical significance, particularly during the colonial period when Durga became a symbol of the Indian independence movement. In Bangladesh, it is an official public holiday, and all educational institutions observe a five-day break for the festivities.