Rain fails to deter the spirit of revellers on Mahanavami

Occasional heavy rain failed to deter the spirit of revellers on 'Mahanavami' - the penultimate day of the four-day Durga Puja festival - as they took to the streets in large numbers today, making a beeline at popular pandals.
The main rituals for 'Mahanavami', or the ninth lunar day, began shortly after 'Sandhi Puja' was performed on 'Mahashtami', considered the most auspicious of the four days, last night.
Popular puja pandals witnessed long queues as people defied the intermittent showers to wait patiently to view the intricate artworks, which were a result of months of hard work by the community puja organisers.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also greeted people on 'Mahanavami' in a Tweet.
According to the MeT department, occasional heavy rain or thundershowers are likely to occur at most places over Gangetic West Bengal today. Moderate to heavy rainfall has been reported in various parts of Bengal since last night.
Restaurants and eateries across the city were also on their toes today, catering to large groups of people, who love eating outside during Durga Puja.
Kolkata Police personnel, along with those of the city civic police and other volunteers, has been deployed near popular community pujas and busy intersections to ensure smooth flow of traffic during the puja days.