In Pics: Durga Puja festivities end with idol immersion

The Durga Puja festivities concluded with the idol immersion ceremony with a restricted number of people participating at the river ghats across the country amid adherence to Covid-19 protocols. Credit: PTI Photo

Colourful processions were taken out by enthusiasts as the police maintained strict vigil everywhere to ensure that no untoward incident takes place. Credit: PTI Photo

During the day, women participated in the traditional 'sindur khela' (smearing of vermillion on each other's faces) and offered sweets to the goddess before bidding her adieu for the year. Credit: PTI Photo

Drones were used for surveillance and CCTVs were fitted at the ghats and police kept a strict vigil. Credit: AFP Photo

Over 1,200 idols were immersed at different ghats in the Kolkata till 9.45 pm, a senior police officer confirmed. Credit: PTI Photo

In West Bengal, heavy cranes were used to pull out the idols from the river, shortly after the immersion ceremony to avoid water pollution. Credit: PTI Photo

Chants of 'asche bochor abar hobe' (until next year) rent the air throughout the day. Credit: AFP Photo

Several temporary waterbodies were also set up for immersion in West Bengal. The Mamata government had cancelled the annual Durga Puja carnival at Red Road for the second consecutive year, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Credit: AFP Photo

Devotees carry an idol of Goddess Durga in a boat for immersion in the Torsa river in Cooch Behar. Credit: PTI Photo