Durga Pujo 2017: Durga Puja is just around the corner and the Bengalis have started their preparation to welcome the goddess Durga on Earth. It all begins with celebrating Mahalaya, which starts on the first day of Durga Puja. This year it is on September 19. Mahalaya marks the beginning of the Durga Puja. From artisans frantically giving final touches to idols of the goddess Durga to puja organisers hurried to put together the marquees (pandals) for inaugural, all the arrangements are on full swing. In Kolkata, to give an innovative touch to the Durga Pujo celebration there is kilometer long street 'Alpona' unveiled with several Dhaakis performed on the same occasion. <br /><br /> Take a look of the stunning 'Alpona' designs: 
A top view during the unveiling of a kilometer long street 'Alpona' (sacred art painting) to celebrate the upcoming Durga Puja festival in Kolkata. (PTI Photo) 
Dhaakis (traditional drummers) perform during the unveiling of a kilometer long street 'Alpona' (sacred art painting) to celebrate the upcoming Durga Puja festival in Kolkata. (PTI Photo) -
The 1.2 km long 'Alpona' was unveiled on Lake Road in Kolkata.
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Mahalaya marks the beginning of one of the biggest festivals in India-Durga Pujo.
Bengali actor Prosenjit Chatterjee was also seen performing some 'Alpona' design at Lake Road in Kolkata. -
Durga Pujo is celebrated for seven days, which will start from September 25 and will end on September 30. It is said that the first day, Mahalaya, is when Goddess Durga started her journey from Kailash to earth (her paternal home).
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