In another mythology which is prevalent in the eastern and northern states of India, Goddess Durga kills the demon Mahishasura to bring peace to Earth. The festival of Navaratri is celebrated because here also the battle between the Goddess and the demon spans ten days. On the tenth day, the Goddess Durga kills Mahishasura and the day is celebrated as Vijayadasami meaning the ‘victory that was attained on the tenth day’.
Each of the preceding nine days of Vijayadasami is dedicated to a specific powerful manifestation of Goddess Durga and people in Northern and Western parts of the region fast while worshiping the nine forms of the Goddess. The eastern and north-eastern parts of India do not fast during Durga Pooja as it is a celebratory time for them and they enjoy the festival with much pomp and fervor.
Goddess Durga is worshiped for five days in eastern and northeastern parts of the country and on the tenth day, the idol is immersed in water bodies marking the end of festivities.
