An artisan paints the eyes of a Durga idol in Kumartuli over the weekend. Repeated monsoon systems left Kolkata drenched last month. The clouds have receded lately and the city is praying to the Goddess to keep both Covid and the rain at bay
Amit Datta/My KolkataThe Durga Puja sky — that autumn azure with wispy cotton clouds — played peekaboo with Kolkata on Sunday as festive shoppers thronged the shops and markets at hubs such as New Market and Gariahat
Amit Datta/My KolkataThe pandal premises are no-entry zones for visitors this year as well in view of the pandemic. Both Dakshineswar Kali temple and Belur Math, where hundreds of people gather to perform rituals every year, will remain shut on Mahalaya — Wednesday, October 6 — to avoid crowds
Amit Datta/My KolkataIdols being dried in the sun. At Kumartuli, work is on at a frenetic pace
Amit Datta/My KolkataAn artisan at work in Kumartuli amid the vibrant colours of the festive season. Kolkata is ready to welcome Ma Durga and her children and is counting the days
Amit Datta/My Kolkata