Durga Puja begins with Mahasasthi, surge of humanity fill the streets

This is the day when the face of the Goddess is unveiled and with the unveiling of the idol, starts Kalparambho (the official beginning of the puja), where the main ritual is Bodhon (invocation of the Goddess).

Bodhon is followed by Amontron (inviting the Goddess) and Adhibas which is sanctifying the place where Durga and her four children-Lakshmi, Ganesha, Saraswati and Kartik will reside for the next four days in the puja pandal.

Amid light rains, people, dressed in new clothes hit the streets in West Bengal capital Kolkata, to witness the different themed marquees and glittering lights.

From north to south, Kolkata is experiencing similar mood of festivity with people engaging themselves in the annual celebration.

The crowd kept bustling through the streets of the Kolkata on the Maha Panchami day itself as slow traffic movements were reported from different parts of the city.

Some people were spotted busy with their last minute shopping and visited the nearest shopping malls or shops.

The dhaks (Indian rustic drums) had an early start on Mahashashti sending the wave of excitement among  the people across the city,  signalling them that the much-awaited festival has finally commenced.

From North to South, the clubs and organisers are ready with their unique themes and decorations. People are expected to travel the entire map of the city in haunt of the best pandals and protima (the idol).