The history of Durga Puja dates back in the ancient period. However, there is much debate regarding the origin of Durga Puja. It's history as well is quite complex. The most popular story is found in the Ramayana where Lord Rama of Ayodhya invoked the goddess Durga in his battle against Ravana.

Although the goddess was traditionally worshipped in the spring, due to contingencies of battle, Rama had to invoke Goddess Durga in the autumn, hence the akalbodhan was performed by him. Infact, the term Akaalbodhon can be found in Krittibas' Ramayan and not in the Valmiki Ramayan (the original Ramayan). The term "Akal" means "untimely" and the term "Bodhon" means "awakening" or "invocation".

Ma Durga was untimely awakened from her peaceful slumber by Lord Rama at the time of Ashwin (Autumn) which is considered as an inauspicious time in Hindu mythology.

According to Hindu mythology, the time period between 23rd December and 21st / 22nd June or Spring Equinox (Summer Solstice) is the perfect

or the auspicious time for worshipping Gods and Goddesses as they remain awake and active during this time.This is the time of Uttorayan and is popularly known as the Days of the Gods.During this time the days are longer and nights are shorter.The actual worship of the Goddess Durga as stipulated by the Hindu scriptures hence falls in the month of Chaitra, which roughly overlaps with March or April. On the other hand autumn or the time of Dakshinayan is the resting time for Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Scientifically speaking it is the time for autumnal equinox (Winter Solstice) or the time period between 22nd /23rd June and 22nd December when the sun shines in the southern hemisphere and so it is winter in the northern hemisphere. Days are shorter and nights are longer. It is popularly known as the Nights of the Demons. And since Goddess Durga is invoked at the wrong time, it is called "Akal Bodhon" in Bengali.