AGARTALA, Oct 19 (TIWN): The idol of Goddess Durga was installed amidst recitation of mantras and chanting of shlokas at different puja pandals in the city on Maha Shasthi on Monday. The priests placed 'ghath' in front of the idols after performing the customary puja marking the commencement of the four-day puja festivities.

The idol of the goddess is installed on Mahashasthi marking her arrival followed by the main puja of four days i.e. Mahasaptami, Mahaastami and Mahanavami followed by Vijayadashmi. 

On Mahashashthi, Goddess Durga arrives to the mortal world from her heavenly abode, accompanied by her children. She is welcomed with much zeal amidst the beats of dhak. Unveiling the face of the idol is the main ritual on this day. 

Although the idols are placed in the pandals on Monday, the priests will perform 'pran-prathisth'. Weapons would be placed in the hands of the goddess and the idol would be unveiled for puja. Thereafter devotees will be allowed to offer prayers to the goddess for the next three day.

As the devi comes to her maiden home, she is invited with various gifts. A branch from the Bel tree is kept under the Devi's rest.  As per the mythological calendar, this year the devi will come in a boat and will go on an elephant which is considered to be very pious.

Mahasasthi, the sixth day from the new moon, marks the beginning of the fascinating and impressive Bengali festival, Durga Puja. People dance with the melodious tunes of Dhak, a musical instrument, to welcome devi Durga with her four children to the well decorated homes and pandals.

Everyone gets into the mood of celebration from the evening of Mahasasthi. Pandals get crowded when well dressed men and women congregate on the pandal premise to celebrate the occasion. Renowned artists, celebrities and ministers are invited to various pandals to inaugurate the Durga Puja pandals.

The face of the deity is unveiled in the Mahasasthi evening. This interesting ritual is popularly known as the Bodhon of Devi Durga. Traditional welcome on Devi Bodhon as one the most important ceremonies of Durga Puja.

Lot of Puja pandal authorities still are seen busy in giving their pandals a beautiful finishing touch. The crowd of the roads slowly starts moving towards the Puja pandals. The atmosphere changes with the tunes of dancing numbers and melodious music.