Today (OCT 4) is the Maha asthami(the auspicious eighth day of the new moon).In Calcutta, devotees celebrated their most auspicious day of the festival with elaborate rituals since early mornings at the pandals. Devotees line up from the early hours to offer flowers(anjali).After the prayers, the Prasad (sacred food) is distributed. Priests perform rituals by chanting religious verses.Bengalies prefer non-vegetarian foods in this day.On this day some traditional pujas like Belur Math,worship a young girl depecting as Devi Durga. The Dhaki (drummer) held the dhak (drum) on his shoulder and is beaten with two sticks.
A traditional Goddess Durga Idol at Sribhumi Sporting Club, Lake Town( Pic 1), A frontal view of a pandal (make shift temple) in Calcutta (Pic2),The 52 feet (15 meter) idol at FD Block, Saltlake, Calcutta.( Piuc 3)