Durga Puja, the festival that honours goddess Durga and celebrates her victory over the mythological demon named Mahishasura, kickstarts on Tuesday.
Durga is interpreted as an embodiment of feminine power in Indian culture and society.
The festival is celebrated with gusto, especially in West Bengal, during the last six days of the Navratri festival. The unique part about this year's Durga Puja is that the ninth and 10th day -- Maha Navami and Dashami -- fall on the same day.
Post your favourite Durga Puja pandal's photo HERE
Believers erect elaborately decorated and themed pandals with grand clay statues of Durga, which are worshipped with ritual drumming, chants, dances and devotional songs.
Devotees throng to the pandals to offer prayers and get blessings of the deity.
Check out the slideshow below for glimpses of some popular Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata.
