As the 4-day Durga puja begins on Saturday, people in northeastern State of Tripura have started the celebrations. The idols of Goddess Durga are being welcomed in the pandals. Tripura, which has a predominantly Bengali is the only northeastern state where Durga Puja is celebrated on a very large scale.<br />''<br />''Our correspondent reports that amidst chants of Durga Maai ki Jai, idols of goddess Durga were unveiled, through special ritual called 'Bodhan' on Shashti pujo last evening in all religious and heritage temples and also community-based Puja pandals at Agartala and across the state. The ritual called 'Bodhan' means descendent of Maa Durga on the earth. On Saturday Maha Saptami Puja has begun in the morning and with this puja festivity is poised to become an all-pervasive celebration with religious and cultural fervour across the state. People  of all age groups, irrespective of caste and religion, have, in fact, started paying visits to puja pandals to take blessings from Mahishashur Mardini.<br />''<br />''An interesting facet of puja festivity in Agartala is the erection of Life-size pandals in various colours, shapes, and forms symbolising the cultural ethos and creative innovation. Also, colourful neon lights at streets and alleys of the capital city are the biggest attractions. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has extended greetings of Durga puja to the people of the state.<br />''<br />''The district magistrate and collector of west Tripura, Dr. Vishal Kumar has cautioned the sweet shop and restaurant owners to provide standard quality eatables and desist from indulging in any kind of malpractise for the health and safety of people. A major, puja attraction is in the Sonamura subdivision that comes under the Sepahijala district, where Hindu-Muslim harmony is witnessed as people from both communities organise Durga Puja and celebrate festivities together in a traditional manner.<br />