Mahasaptami Puja begins amid drum beats

KOLKATA - People thronged Durga Puja “pandals” here Thursday to offer prayers on Mahasaptami.

Women, clad in new sarees, were seen offering “pushpanjali” (special offerings to the goddess) amid the beats of “dhak” (local drums).

Durga Puja, the five-day autumn festival beginning with Shashti and ending with Dussehra, is being held with great passion at colossal puja pandals (marquees), where idols of the goddess and her four children are installed and worshipped.

The capital of West Bengal is abuzz with the festive spirit and people from various parts of the country and abroad have come down for a feel of the cultural and religious extravaganza.

The state itself has several thousands pandals where people gather to celebrate. The pujas are also a popular occasion for reuniting with family and friends.

Durga Puja would end Oct 17 with the immersion of the goddess’ idols in rivers and other water bodies all over the country.