AGARTALA, Oct 20 (TIWN): Agartala city was gripped in Durga Puja fervour on the Shasthi night. Devouts dressed up in their best attires thronged Puja pandals. Apart from the Durga idols and decorations, the locals were attracted towards competitions and fun-fair games organized at various pandals.

Most of the Puja pandals started their grand affair of "Durgotsav" with elaborate aarti in the morning after which traditional puja ceremonies were performed under the guidance of priests. The puja activities were conducted in typical Bengali style which also included reverberating the beats of the dhak. 
Though the people had started thronging pandals since early morning, the rush increased in evening. Families visited pandals and had a great time in worshiping along with participating in fun-fair games being held there.

Puja pandals across Agartala city on Sashti night witnessed a swollen number of crowds who are driven by their faith in Goddess Durga and also to get a feel the artistic splendour of the pandals made by several unsung heroes. The crowd kept on swelling as the day progressed.

Spirituality and enthusiasm filled the air in the city which was evident by people rushing towards the temporary abode of deity with devotion visible in the eyes and prayer in the heart. It was a mad scramble towards Chattrabondhu club, the most popular destination.

Lavishly decorated puja pandals are adding to the festive mood and roadside delicacies that one can experience only at the fairs and ceremonial events organised in various spots.

The artistically designed puja pandals are the replicas of some temples which catered the most of the crowd of the city.

If the devotees were ubiquitous so were policemen in uniform at every nook and cranny to free road from congestion and keep trouble mongers in check.

From abstract art to riddles, from environmental issues to the mysteries of the cosmos, theme-based community Durga Pujas continue to attract footfalls in all parts of the city.

However, apart from the fun games and Durga idols, the traditional and tasty cuisines served by the stall owners around pandals are also gathering huge crowd. 

The stall food owners near pandals are offering chaat, noodles and several tasty items that can be enjoyed during the festival.