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The pujas are held over a ten-day period, which is traditionally viewed as the coming of the married daughter, Durga, to her father, Himalaya's home. It is the most important festival in Bengal, and Bengalis celebrate with new clothes and other gifts, which are worn on the evenings when the family goes out to see the 'pandals' (temporary structures set up to venerate the goddess). Although it is a Hindu festival, religion takes a back seat on these five days: Durga Puja in Bengal is a carnival, where people from all backgrounds, regardless of their religious beliefs, participate and enjoy themselves to the hilt.

Here, the priest is offering "Aarati" to Devi Durga.

Evening in Calcutta, 2008]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:54:10 GMT http://www.photojournale.com/data/thumbnails/125/16.jpg http://www.photojournale.com/details.php?image_id=3123 http://www.photojournale.com/details.php?image_id=3123#comment3378 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:58:28 GMT Photojournale : Photo documentary and photo journal stories from around the world - Ja Debi Sarbabhuteshu http://www.photojournale.com/details.php?image_id=3123#comment3378 http://www.photojournale.com/details.php?image_id=3123#comment3062 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:31:46 GMT Photojournale : Photo documentary and photo journal stories from around the world - Ja Debi Sarbabhuteshu http://www.photojournale.com/details.php?image_id=3123#comment3062