BENGAL, October 26, 2001: Today about 300 Durga idols will converge on the banks of the Yamuna for immersion, to the accompaniment of fervent cries of “Durga Mai Ki Jai.” Days of excitement and devotional fervor culminate in a grand finale in the twilight hour. The congregation always turns out to be a vast one and to manage the vast crowds, emergency services have been set up and an ambulance is also at hand. Legend has it that the Devi’s homecoming is akin to a Bengali daughter’s first visit to her home after marriage. She returns with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik and Ganesh to her abode presided over by Lord Siva in Mount Kailash.
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