Indian festivals - Durga Puja

This festival for the Goddess Durga takes place in West Bengal in October.

Models (pandals) of the Goddess, and her children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik and Ganesha, are built into large friezes that are put on display in the streets and public places. Competition between neighbourhoods is fierce for the best display and the results are truly amazing. No expense is spared and the decorations are ornate and dazzling .Over the 5 days there are unique rituals and ceremonies.Everyone comes out to give prayer to Durga for a good harvest, celebrate and wonder at the displays and judge the best. On the evening of the 5th day the pandals are taken to the river and the idols immersed bidding them farewell for another year.