Kolkata: The reverberating roll of 'dhaks' ushered in 'Mahasaptami' on October 12 with Goddess Durga and her children resplendent in 'pandals' in the metropolis and across West Bengal thronged by worshipers in thousands.

The many 'ghats' of the river Hooghly were crowded since morning for the bathing of the 'kala bou' or nine plants bound in a sari-draped female form signifying the nine powers of the mother Goddess.

The festivities began since October 11 evening with the chanting of mantras bringing to life the ten armed goddess, who slew the invincible buffalo demon Mahishasura.

Thousands of revellers began pouring into the metropolis from the suburbs and districts since midnight grid locking traffic in many areas.

Unwelcome afternoon showers, not withstanding, 'pandal' hoppers traversed long distances for a 'darshan' of the images at beautifully crafted 'pandals' at Bosepukur, Sribhumi, College Square and Mohammed Ali Park.

Tour operators conducting trips to aristocratic family 'pujas' were booked for all four days.

A never-before variety in artistic experimentation for creating the 'pandals' and ornaments of the goddess and her children, Karthik, Ganesh, Lakshmi and Saraswati greeted visitors with artistes using biscuits, crushed sugarcane, 'bidis', dried 'dal' paste, long playing records and coins for their art.

PTI