Yet, another puja crossed by with much celebration in honour of the diety. It all happened like it always happens. The day starts with MAHALAYA at 4a.m. broadcast by All India Radio. And then people go about their daily chores. But then now, there are some extra shopping to be done. New sarees, new pieces of jewellery, sweets, perfumes, scented candles, incense sticks, presents for relatives, new pieces of crockery, and much more depending on the budget and family needs. Everyone is in a mood to celebrate knowing that the Goddess will return after ten days. So, everyone tries to make the maximum use of it. But, the actual hustle starts on the fifth day, called the PANCHAMI as per the Hindu calendar. The fully dressed and ornamented idol is brought to the pandal, unveiled so that people can have a look at her face and then the religious proceedings begin. People gather in thousands to see the goddess, to seek her blessings, and thank her for all the good things she has bestowed on each of us. Still there are some people who look upon this festival as sources of extra income. They come up with stalls around the tent and the children gather in flocks to watch games or buy toys or gorge in some street food delicacies. But, above all there is peace and hope in everyone's eyes that the Goddess will bestow everyone with something and take away the pain and miseries while going away. Four days pass with  puja, celebrations, and then the last day comes when the Goddess will be immersed and people with their heavy hearts will have to wait for the next year when the Goddess would again come with new hope. This festival brings hope as much as joy for all. From all over the world, tourists come in to watch this festival and write lengths about how this festival is celebrated. The festival is colorful, no doubt, like all but it still holds a special place in everyone's minds because of the various myths associated with it. Hope I live long enough to be able to watch the Puja next year. May the Goddess come each year to give us happiness and get us rid of the miseries and ill habits we all suffer from.