The dates or period of - Navaratri in 2008. This Navarathri is also known as Sharad Navratra.

• September 30th - Navratri, Festival of Nine Nights begin.
• October 5th - Durga Puja Begins - Maha Shashti.
• October 6th, 2008 - Maha Saptami/ Saraswati Avahan Puja in some parts in North India
• October 7th - Durga Ashtami Puja.
• October 8th, 2008 - Navratri Ends. Maha Navami Puja/Saraswathi Puja and Ayudha Pooja in South India
• October 9th - Vijaya Dashami and Dusshera

‘Nav' means 'nine' and 'ratri' means 'night', thus, 'Navratri' means 'nine nights'. There are many legends attached to the conception of Navratri like all Indian festivals but all of them are related to Goddess Shakti (Hindu Mother Goddess) and her various forms. Though it is one of the most celebrated festivals of Hindu calendar, it holds special significance for Gujratis and Bengalis.

The first three days of Navratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga (Warrior Goddess) dressed in red and mounted on a lion, next three to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity) dressed in gold and mounted on an owl and finally, last three to Goddess Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge) dressed in milky white and mounted on a pure white swan.

Durga puja is the most prominent festival of Bengalis and Calcutta turns a new city during the last four days of the festival from Maha-Shashti (the sixth day), the day of Bodhon on Maha-Shashti to the day when the idols are immersed in the rivers, lakes and seas on the evening of Vijaya Dashami. However, it is considered to immerse the idols in the sacred waters of the River Ganges. It is believed that the Mother Goddess descends to the Earth on Maha Shashti and returns to her abode on Vijaya Dashmi.

Other Festivals

• October 28th Diwali