In pictures: Festival time in India

It is the season of festivals in India. The western state of Maharashtra has just celebrated Ganapati Mahotsav - a festival dedicated to the Elephant God Ganesh. The eastern state of West Bengal is preparing for Durga Puja.

Preparations for the Ganesh festival begin months in advance

The statues are brought into various cities by trucks

Both young and old participate in the ten-day long festivities

The statues are taken for immersion on the tenth day

For some, it is a happy moment. . .

. . . for others an emotional one

With the Ganesh festival over, preparations are underway for Durga Puja