Religious Holidays Quiz

Durga Puja, also called Navaratri ("nine nights"), occurs at the Fall equinox in honor of Shiva's consort Durga. As the slayer of the Buffalo demon (Durgamahishasuramardini) Durga represents the power of good to quell all sources of evil. Devotees celebrate this deity's complete protection of her worshippers, but Durga's festival has room for other deities as well. The first day celebrates the goddess Sarasvati, patroness of learning and beauty. In some regions the fifth day belongs to a goddess called Lalita. Bengalis sometimes still sacrifice water buffalo in honor of Durga's cosmic victory over evil. Another festival, occurring at the end of winter to welcome spring, is called Shri panchami ("Goddess Fifth" day in the bright half of Magha). Devotees honor Sarasvati by piling up books and symbols of learning near local altars. Other days, such as several during the extended feast called Divali, also belong to the major goddesses.

From The Handy Religion Answer Book, Second Edition by Jack Rendard, Ph.D., (c) 2012 Visible Ink Press(R). Your Guide to the World's Major Faiths