Explanations:Durga Puja is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism, particularly celebrated in the eastern states of India, especially in West Bengal. The festival commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival is celebrated over a period of five days, with the main rituals taking place on the last four days, known as Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami.
The timing of Durga Puja is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon. The festival is observed during the Hindu month of Ashwin, which typically falls in September or October on the Gregorian calendar. The exact dates vary each year because the lunar calendar does not align perfectly with the solar calendar. This means that the festival can occur at slightly different times each year, but it generally falls within the September-October period.
Understanding the lunar calendar is crucial to grasping the timing of Durga Puja. The Hindu lunar calendar is divided into months that are based on the phases of the moon. Each month begins with the new moon and ends with the next new moon. The month of Ashwin, in which Durga Puja is celebrated, is the seventh month of the Hindu calendar and is associated with the autumn season in India.
It is important to note that while Durga Puja is primarily celebrated in September-October, the exact dates can vary slightly from year to year. This is because the lunar calendar is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar calendar, leading to a gradual shift in the dates over time. To compensate for this, an extra month is added to the lunar calendar every few years, a process known as "Adhik Maas" or intercalary month.
Therefore, the correct answer is that Durga Puja is held in September-October, reflecting the timing of the Hindu month of Ashwin and the lunar calendar's influence on the festival's date.