Bengal Gears Up For The Grandest Celebration Of The Year — Durga Puja: SEE PICS

As Durga Puja nears, Bengal is preparing a grand welcome for the Mother Goddess. Colourful pandals, decorative lighting, and unique themed Pujas and idols often catch the imagination of devotees.

Preparations for Durga Puja in West Bengal are in full swing

The preparations for Durga Puja in West Bengal are in full swing. Pandal workers are preparing Puja venues across the state. The 10-day festivities will begin on October 15. (Image source: PTI)

Artisans apply finishing touches to a pandal ahead of Durga Puja in West Bengal's Nadia. The festival will end with Vijaya Dashami on October 24. (Image Source: PTI)

An artist paints a figurine at a community pandal for the upcoming Durga Puja. (Image Source: PTI)

An artisan paints an idol of Goddess Durga at his workshop ahead of the festival. (Image Source: PTI)

An artisan paints the eye on an idol of Goddess Chandi ahead of Durga Puja. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Ram prayed to Goddess Durga for success before the war against Ravan in Lanka. Pleased with his devotion, the Mother Goddess appeared before him in her Chandi form and blessed him. (Image Source: PTI)

Kolkata's unique transport mode — the tram — painted in Durga Puja theme to commemorate the UNESCO heritage tag accorded to the festival and celebrate 150 years of Kolkata tramways. (Image Source: PTI)

Devotees carry an idol of Goddess Durga to a pandal in Nadia ahead of the festival. (Image Source: PTI)

People gather to shop in the New Market area in Kolkata ahead of the Durga Puja festivities. (Image Source: PTI)