Durga Puja begins in Kolkata

Kolkata, Sept 24 (ANI): Durga Puja began here on Wednesday with idols of the Goddess Durga being displayed around the city in pandals for the public to worship.

Aesthetically designed and decorated pandals have turned Kolkata into a city of temples.

"We are beginning with Durga Puja today. It is very important for me as well as for others. Durga Puja in Kolkata is known all over the country," said Babu Banerjee, a devotee.

"Today is the first day of Durga Puja. There are 360 puja pandals," said Manish, another devotee.

Local puja committees compete with one another to make their makeshift temples attractive. Some are modelled after famous buildings or monuments.

Illuminations are an added attraction, as Kolkata's artistic electricians are known across the country for their skill.

Worship of Durga is part of the ten-day festival of 'Navaratri', which culminates in 'Dusshera' celebrations.

The festival, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil, is marked by prayers, processions and musical programmes. (ANI)