Durga Puja celebrations start amid COVID-19 pandemic protocol in India

Hindu Devotees offers prayers to Goddess Durga on the occasion of 'Maha Saptami' during the Durga Puja festival in Nagaon District of Assam, India on Oct 12,2012. The festival of Durga Puja began on October 11 and the entire nation seems to have welcomed the festivities with full gusto while at the same time trying to follow COVID-19 pandemic protocol. The first day of the Puja is called Maha Shasthi and on this day the idol of Maa Durga is unveiled for devotees to visit.The festival marks the victory of good over evil as according to mythology, Maa Durga killed demon king Mahishasur.The festival is celebrated in various parts of the country but has a special significance for Bengalis - for whom it is the biggest festival.People in large numbers visited puja pandals across several states.