Varanasi, Sep 29 (NationPress) The vibrant city of Varanasi morphs into a slice of West Bengal during Navratri, as the stunning Durga Puja pandals attract crowds from far and wide. These large, intricately adorned pandals serve as major draws for worshippers and tourists alike.

At Sanatan Dharma Inter College, the pandal is inspired by the Khatu Shyam Temple, while the Bathua Market pandal mirrors the revered Maa Chamundeshwari Devi Temple. In a unique twist, soldiers dressed in patriotic colours stand guard beside the idol of Goddess Durga, enriching the traditional festivities. An impressive BrahMos missile is also featured prominently in a nearby pandal, mesmerizing onlookers with its striking presence.

At Lahartara, a pandal dedicated solely to army personnel is particularly notable, constructed entirely from the tricolour, symbolizing love for the nation and reverence for the military.

The BrahMos missile showcased on one of the pandals has captivated many. Starting from Saptami, the seventh day of Navratri, devotees can visit these pandals for darshan. During the days of Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami, people from Kashi and surrounding areas flock to these pandals for prayers, culminating in the immersion of the idol on the tenth day.

Tilak Raj Mishra, President of the Central Puja Committee in Kashi Region, Uttar Pradesh, stated, “Preparations are outstanding. This area is a VIP zone, and the pandals are exquisitely decorated. This year, we have 512 pandals throughout the city.”

Maha Saptami, which takes place on September 29 this year, signifies the start of the most crucial phase of Durga Puja. According to the Hindu calendar, the Saptami Tithi begins on September 28 at 2:27 PM and concludes on September 29 at 4:31 PM, falling within the Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month.

The Saptami day is momentous as it signifies the onset of Maa Durga’s fierce battle against the demon king Mahishasura, representing the victory of good over evil. This battle culminates on Vijaya Dashami. On Saptami, Maa Durga is worshipped in her formidable form, Kaalratri, a manifestation of Adi Shakti believed to eliminate fear, negativity, and obstacles from the lives of her devotees.

While Durga Puja is celebrated across the nation, Maha Saptami holds special significance in Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura. The pandals come alive with magnificent idols, decorations, and cultural performances. Families gather for traditional meals, prayers, and community bonding, while devotees nationwide observe fasting, chant mantras, and don auspicious colours for the day.