Goddess Durga is believed to exist in many forms like Goddess Bhavani, Jagdamba, Mahakali etc. Devotees perform the 'devi-sthaapna' in their homes wherein they invite the Goddess and perform 'puja-path' for nine days.

In West Bengal, Navratri is celebrated as 'Durga-puja' which is the most important festival in that part of India. Celebrations of Durga-puja in Bengal are similar to celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra. Idols of Goddess Durga are worshipped for nine days in beautifully decorated 'pandaals'. It is a public festival. On the tenth day,the 'Visarjan' or immersion of idols is performed. Community pujas in Bengal are organised in every locality. Family visit each other to share feasts. On Bijoya day, the idols are taken in elaborate processions for immersion in the river or sea.

In North-India the 'Ram-Leela' is performed during Navratri. Ram-Leela is a stage enaction of Ramayana, the story of Lord Rama. The day after Navratri - the tenth day, is observed as 'Dassera' or 'Vijayadashmi'. It marks the victory of good over evil. It is believed that on this day, Lord Rama had killed the demon Ravana. On Vijayadashmi, effigies of Ravana are burnt all over India.