Kolkata, Oct 21 (IANS) The second day of Durga Puja, known as Mahasaptami, saw a huge rush of people to 'pandals' (marquees) in West Bengal to offer morning prayers and join in the revelry Sunday.
Mahasaptami is marked by the 'pran pratistha" ritual, where the deity is symbolically endowed with life. The 'Kola Bou', a tender banana plant symbolising a bride, is given a river bath amidst drum beats, wrapped in a sari and placed next to the idol of Ganesha.
After the ritual, the 'puja' begins with fasting devotees paying obeisance to Goddess Durga.
The third day of the puja Monday is considered the most important day of the five-day festival with the Mahaashtami Puja.
There is an added sense of festivity in the air with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offering a 10-day holiday to state government officials for the festival, till the Laxmi Puja on Oct 29.
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