Mohammad Ali Park, 36th year The twin-flavoured pandal sees the exterior modelled on the Royal Albert Museum in Jaipur and the interior done up like Sheesh Mahal, also in Jaipur. The idol scores here, with people from all religions surrounding Durga, praying to her to put an end to terrorism around the world. Picture by Pabitra Das

College Square, 57th year

The rush reason is a pandal modelled on the Cooch Behar Rajbari. Light attractions include comic-strip characters like Chacha Chowdhury, Tarzan and space expeditions. The idol is traditional. Picture by Pabitra DasJodhpur Park, 52nd year

The brilliant golden idol is drawing in the hordes to a puja that looks ?beyond theme, back to the roots?. The simple temple that houses the goddess has an adjoining chamber, with a lived-in look.

Picture by Pradip SanyalSantosh Mitra Square, 69th year

The gimmicky contest is the main draw. Guess what the pandal is modelled on and win a diamond ring or necklace, on Dashami. The Himalaykanya idol, Nabadurga paintings and kaantha-stitch decoration add to the appeal. Picture by Pabitra DasTelengabagan, 39th year

The theme is Sri Krishna?s Durga puja in Brindavan. The walls have painted scenes from Krishna?s life, while a separate natmandap has a revolving podium with clay figures on it. No fancy lighting here. Picture by Pabitra Das