Donning the role of an artisan, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sketched the eyes of Goddess Durga on the auspicious day of Mahayala today.
Banerjee who had composed the theme of a puja pandal in Bhawanipur in south Kolkata three years back went through ritualistic "Chokkhhudan" (ceremonial painting of Goddess Durga's eyes) at Chetla Agrani Club in southern part of the city which every year draws large crowds during the puja.
State urban development minister Firhad Hakim, who is the president of the puja committee, was also present.
As Banerjee, also a painter, sketched the eyes of the Goddess, a large crowd cheered her all through.
The chief minister also wished the people of the state on the occasion of Durga puja.
Mahalaya marks the end of the 'Pitri paksha' and the beginning of "Devi paksha" as the countdown begins for the Durga puja festival.
This year's Durga Puja, the biggest festival of Bengalis, will begin on the day of Mahasaptami on October 1.
Banerjee's residence at Kalighat is still receiving requests from different puja organisers for inaugurating their pujas, TMC sources said.
