Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Shaaradotsava, is an annual festival originating in the Indian subcontinent which reveres and pays homage to the Hindu goddess Durga, and is also celebrated because of Durga's victory over Mahishasura. Victory of goddess Durga in her battle against the shape-shifting asura, Mahishasura. Victory of good over evil, though it is also in part a harvest festival celebrating the goddess as the motherly power behind all of life and creation.