Nation prepares for Durga Puja 2017 in full swing

Nation gears to celebrate with theatrical and colourful pandals. (All photos: AP)

An artist decorating a community puja pandal ahead of Durga Puja festival in Kolkata. The Sanskrit word Mahalaya, derived from 'maha' meaning great and 'alaya' meaning dwelling. It marks the beginning of one of the biggest festivals in India, Durga Puja. (Photo: AP)

An Artist gives finishing touches on a Devi Durga idol made with thermocol. The countdown to Durga Puja begins from Mahalaya as festivities unfold in full swing. (Photo: AP)

A community puja pandal being decorated ahead of upcoming Durga puja festival. Mahalaya is observed 7 days before the actual puja.(Photo: AP)

Workers prepare a pandal in Kolkata. Mahalaya is a theatrical invitation to the goddess Durga, like a precursor to her descent from Kailash to earth along with her children. (Photo: AP)

An artist decorates a puja pandal with keys for the upcoming Durga puja. During Mahalaya, the Sanskrit chants implore the goddess to come and save us from evil powers, and it also marks the beginning of 'Devi' paksha and the end of 'Pitru' paksha. (Photo: AP)

A woman artist gives final touches to the idols of Goddess Durga. This year the Pitru paksha began on September 5 and will end on September 19. (Photo: AP)

An artist busy for preparations ahead of upcoming Durga Puja.Durga Puja, which is usually celebrated from Shasthi onward, will begin on September 26 and continue till September 30 (Dashami). (Photo: AP)

An artist works for making a model of a submarine at a Durga Puja pandal. Every year pandals are made with unique concepts. (Photo: AP)

An artist busy for preparations ahead of upcoming Durga Puja festival in Kolkata. Roads will be decorated, pandals erected and the arrival of the goddess will be celebrated. (Photo: AP)