In Bengal, it is the most awaited festival of the entire year and is celebrated over four days. It is believed that goddess Durga leaves her husband's residence in Kailash to visit her father Himalaya's home with her children Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and Kartik during this period.

The festival is also called Navratri in some parts of the country and is celebrated over nine days.

Image: A priest offers prayers to the idol of Durga during the festival in New Delhi.