(Pics) Kolkata: Ma Durga bid adieu in high spirit, despite rains

Kolkata, Oct 15: Rains may have marred the Mahashtami festival here, but the spirit of Bengalis did not bog down and it was evident at the Bisarjan. For a change, people could hear the loud sloganeering of Durga's evocation, instead of one during a political rally.

"Bolo Bolo Durga Mai ki jai" and "asche bochor abar hobe (the coming year will bring usthe same joy)" could be heard at the Ganga ghats.

Although their hearts were heavy, Bengali women pepped up with Sindoor khela (holi with vermilion). A dash of red on each of their faces could make no difference between one and all, signifying a unified community. "We could not enjoy on Ashthami because of the rains. I barely managed to offer the pushpanjali, but I wore my feet off during the Bisarjan," said Anamika Chaterjee, a resident of Santhoshpur.

A colour play

A grouo of women pose for photographs after the 'sindoor khela' before 'Bishorjon'.

Dhunuchi Naach

Women dance to the tunes of the 'dhaak' in a traditional performance.

Sindoor khela

Women performing the bodhon and the traditional sindoor khela before bidding Maa Durga adieu.

The dance

Women having fun at the mandap before Bishorjon.

Colour me Red

Women smearing each other with vermilion

Lets play holi

Women dance after the Sindoor khela, just before the Bishorjon.