Public pujas began in Kolkata from 1860. In 1924 the name was changed to sarbojonin or 'for everyone' but some organisers still use the traditional name 'barowari' meaning public puja.

In 1939 during the Shimla Bayam Samiti Puja, Subhash Chandra Bose unveiled a 21-ft long idol Durga in Kolkata during Durga Puja.

In the 80s, corporates started giving awards for best decoration and best presentation for Durga Puja pandals so every colony thought of different themes and participating with enthusiasm

In 2003, an 80-ft effigy of Ravana was constructed in Faridabad costing Rs 2 lakh.

In Kerala children are asked to write a few alphabets on sand or rice because Dussehra marks the beginning of learning.

In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, families decorate their homes with dolls called Bommai Kolu, surrounding them with lamps and flowers. Gifts of coconuts, clothes and sweets are exchanged.