The final five days of Durga Puja, one of India's grandest festivals, begin today.
The festival celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura and while festivities can last up to 10 days, worship begins on the sixth day.
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Modern festivities involve a vibrant tapestry of song, dance, fasting, feasts, elaborate decorations and grand ceremonies at temples.
A key part of the celebrations are the construction of ornate marquees, or pandals, where the idol of Goddess Durga is placed amid lavish food offerings. During the celebrations, festival-goers make their way from shrine to shrine in their local area, comparing different shrines and decorations in a tradition known as "pandal hopping".
The Week takes a look at some of the spectacular preparations taking place across the country.
An idol of the Hindu goddess Durga during the Durga Puja festival in Kolkata
Another idol of the Hindu goddess Durga at a workshop in Prayagraj
A Durga idol at a pandal in Kolkata
An artist makes some final touches to the eyes of a 14ft face of an idol
A Kolkata artist at work on his Durga idol
Devotees carry a Durga idol to the pandal ahead of festivities in Mumbai
A Durga idol is loaded on to a truck on its way to a pandal in Kolkata
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