Durga Puja, West Bengal

Beautifully decorated images of the goddess Durga are worshipped in specially erected Puja Pandals. Community prayers (pujas) are organised in every locality, around which shops and eateries spring up. Cultural events and shows are held every evening of the nine-day celebrations. Families visit each other to share feasts. On the final day, the idols are taken in elaborate processions to be immersed in the river or the sea.