With Durga Puja just 10 days away, the mood is festive. The preparations are on in full swing and artisans in some cities of the country have begun giving finishing touches to their beautifully created idols.
Durga Puja is not just a festival, it is an emotion for most in the Bengali community. Celebrated over a course of five days – Shashti, Shaptami, Ashtami, Navami, Vijaya Dashami – Durgotsav primarily means two things – pandal hopping and good food. Also, during these five days, people take care of what they wear and how they wear. It's almost like stepping out for a big fat wedding each day – all dressed up and plastered with make-up.
Because the festival epitomises victory of good over evil, it is the perfect time to let the bad times slide. Below are some of the first pictures of Durga idols being crafted and pandals being erected across the cities of Kolkata, Allahabad and Agartala.
