Idols of Goddess Durga, sitting astride a tiger, were on Friday ushered into various homes and public pandals in Mumbai under the hawk-eyed vigil of over 30,000 police personnel.
Mobile patrolling vans maintained a steady vigil in the sensitive zones as devotees offered prayers to Goddess Durga, urging her to bless the city and ensure that they were protected from the sinister designs of terrorists.
Women dressed in their traditional finery, with fresh jasmine flowers strung across their hair, performed the traditional pooja in honour of the deity, considered to be a manifestation of power and divine strength.
In many of the pandals, the statue was installed amid the blowing of conches, even as the fragrant smell of incense wafted around.
The air of festivity was apparent in various parts of the city.
Shops selling the dandiya sticks, mirror dotted chaniya cholis and brightly coloured earthern pots have been doing brisk business for the last few days.
In several homes, the traditional 'ghatastapna' was performed where the statue of Mahalaxmi was venerated.