West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee kicked off the state's Durga Puja celebrations on Tuesday by inaugurating a pandal in Kolkata inspired by Andhra Pradesh's famous Tirupati temple. The pandal, created by Sreebhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, is a striking replica of the renowned Vishnu temple and features a statue of Lord Vishnu, adding a devotional touch to the festivities.

The inauguration took place a day before Mahalaya, a significant event marking the arrival of Goddess Durga on Earth following her victory over the demon Mahishasura.

Sreebhumi Sporting Club, led by state minister Sujit Bose, is known for its creative pandal themes, which, like many others across Kolkata and West Bengal, aim to captivate visitors with their originality and vibrancy.

Chief Minister Banerjee also announced that the Durga Puja festivities had officially begun. Starting Wednesday, she will continue inaugurating several other pandals across the state, some of which will be done virtually.

This year's Durga Puja celebrations will run from October 9 to October 13, concluding with the immersion of the goddess's idol.