Kolkata: Devotees thronged marquees and community pujas across West Bengal to bid adieu to goddess Durga on Thursday, the last day of the puja, which saw Mahanavami and Vijaya Dashami coinciding.

With anticipation of the homecoming of the deity next year, they participated in the last rounds of prayers and rituals.

As per the almanac, Vijaya Dashami – the last day of the puja – merged with Mahanavami this year, thereby shortening the usual five-day affair to a four-day celebration. Idol immersions on Dashami conclude the festival.

However, the majority of the immersions are scheduled to take place on Friday and Sunday due to Muharram falling on Saturday.

Adhering to tradition, some household and community pujas proceeded to the banks of the river Hooghly around late evening on Thursday for the immersion.

(With inputs from IANS)