Regional Names of Durga

MAHARASHTRA
In ancient times kings used the feast of Dasara to cross the frontier and fight against their neighboring kingdoms. This border crossing is known as “Simollanghan”. Thus Dasara also marks the beginning of the war season.

GUJARAT, PUNJAB & MAHARASHTA.
Navratri is a festival of worship, dance and music celebrated over a period of nine nights. Devotees perform the devisthaapna in their homes wherein they invite the Goddess and perform ‘pooja-path’ for nine days. Gujaratis perform their traditional dances ‘Garba’ & Dandiya-Raas’ during Navratri.

KULLU VALLEY, H1MACHAL PRADESH
The annual mela or festival takes place in the Kullu Valley also known as the Valley of the Living Gods, in North India. The festival celebrates the triumph of the God Ram over evil. The Rath Yatra of the idol of Lord Ragunath is led by the Kullu Raja and village deities, and is known as the running of the Gods.

MYSORE, KARNATAKA.
In Mysore, Dussehra is easily the most popular festival. It is celebrated on a grandiose scale here. Elephants are decked up with robes and jewelery and taken in processions through the streets of the city. In fact, many people visit Mysore from all over the country to watch this colorful event. There is also a floating festival in the temple tank at the foot of Chamundi Hill and a procession of chariots around the temple at the top.