Kolkata: Bijoya Dashami was observed throughout West Bengal today (Oct 23, 2004) amidst immersion of idols of Goddess Durga bringing to an end the five-day festival.

The immersion is seen by the devotees as the departure of Goddess Durga from her maternal home for her husband Lord Shiva's abode in Mount Kailash.

A tinge of sadness set in among the devotees on the night of Mahanavami itself as the dawn signalled the end of Goddess's earthly sojourn this year.

In keeping with the tradition, married women carried out ritualistic 'Debi baran' (offering prayers with sweets) and 'sindur khela' (smearing each other with vermilion). Large queues were observed in front of Puja pandals where women clad in white and red-bordered sarees waited for their turn to bid a tearful farewell to the Goddess.

Immersion of idols of the Goddess in rivers and ponds had already started for most the household Pujas. Elaborate police arrangements had been made at all ghats along River Hooghly in the metropolis and at all points across the State to prevent any untoward incidents.

Immersion of idols from both sides of the border were witnessed in River Icchamati at Taki in North 24 Parganas district opposite Satkhira district of Bangladesh.

Idols from both sides were shipped in country boats carrying the respective national flags to the middle of the river before they were immersed.

All immersions would have to be completed by October 25, police said.

The metropolis also witnessed Dusshera celebrations symbolising triumph of good over evil.