Kolkata: Deepavali, along with Kali Puja, was celebrated in West Bengal today with pomp and religious fervour, despite intermittent rains.

Both the festivals coincided this year and were being observed together, making the entire occasion a gala event.

On the occasion of Deepavali, the festival of lights, the city wore a brighter look with illumination everywhere, including on all vital installations, attracting people of all ages.

Braving the intermittent rains, people came out on the streets in the evening and were seen enjoying fireworks.

However, bursting of crackers was much less this time due to restrictions.

A large number of devotees visited the Kalighat, Dakshineswar and Adyapith Kali temples in and around the city to offer prayers to the goddess on the auspicious day.

At the Tarapith temple in Birbhum district, the devotees had to stand in long queues to offer puja.

Among other places, Kali puja was also held at the Thanthania Kali temple in north Kolkata, Lake Kali temple in south Kolkata and Firinghee Kali temple in central Kolkata.

Like the previous years, Kali puja was also held at the residence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Many important personalities, officials and other dignitaries attended the puja and exchanged greetings with the chief minister.

Banerjee greeted the people on the occasion saying, “Heartiest greetings to all on the occasion of Kali Pujo and Deepavali.”

Many community pujas at Barasat and Naihati in North 24 Parganas district were major attractions for the people.

All arrangements were made by the police and Fire Services department to prevent any untoward incident.

“So far, the celebrations have been peaceful and without any incident,” an official said.