Durga Puja Kicks Off in Kolkata

Goddess Durga.
www.flickr.com user photographer_chirasree

The five day Durga Puja festival has descended on Kolkata, bringing with it the usual impenetrable traffic snarls and hoards of people. The festival turns the city into absolute chaos, but the Bengali people love it just as much as they love their food! For them it's the highlight of their year, and indeed it is the biggest festival of the year in Kolkata.

During Durga Puja, Kolkata comes alive with snack stalls, lights, music, and masses of colorfully dressed people all hitting the streets to visit the stunning statues of Goddess Durga, on display in almost every lane way. It's a truly unforgettable sight to behold, especially on the last day when the statues are paraded through the city on their way to be immersed in the river.

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