Devi Paksha is the waxing phase of moon in Ashwin month (September – October) as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar. In 2024, Devi Paksha is from October 3 to October 12 – Navratri and Durga Puja are held during this period. The Devi Paksha begins with the Mahalaya Amavasya – it is said that the gods and goddess awake on this day to prepare for Durga Puja.
Devi Paksha also marks the end of the Pitru Paksha period which is dedicated to dead forefathers.
It is said that Goddess Durga starts her journey towards the earth of the first day of the Devi Paksha period.
It is believed that Goddess Durga was originally worshipped (Durga Puja) in the Chaitra month (March – April) and was also referred as Basanti Puja. It was Lord Ram who changed the period of Durga Puja.
Lord Ram wanted to get the blessings of Goddess Durga before beginning the war with Ravana. Therefore he invoked Goddess Durga during the Devi Paksha in Ashwin month (October – November). This is why the Durga Puja during Ashvina month is also known as Akal Bodhon or untimely invocation.