Glimpses of Kolkata on Mahalaya ahead of Durga Puja

Kolkata gears up for its biggest festive bonanza, the Durga Puja, that will commence from next week. Artist gives finishing touch to Idol of Goddess Durga a day before Mahalaya at Kumartuli, Kolkata on October 11, 2015. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)

The mega festival is celebrated for five days across the state with much grandeur and zeal. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)

Traditionally the artists paint the eyes of the idols on the Mahalaya, but over the years due to increased pressure the artist finishes the work early. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)

Kumartuli, the hub in Kolkata where idols are made, is also quite popular among foreign tourists. Everyday many tourist pour in to capture artists making the sculptures through their lens. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)

The artist of the hub in recent years have also tried to adopt eco-friendly measures while making the idols. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)

The craftsmanship of Kumartuli is famous across the world, and often many idols are exported to foreign countries where Indian diaspora celebrates the festival. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)

With just a week away from the event to begin, the city has already switched into a festive mood. (Source: Express photo by Partha Paul)