Puja revellers defy rain

Kolkata, Oct 1(UNI) A mid-day shower that threatened to spoil festivity, failed to dampen the spirit of the people, as thousands swarmed the city streets on the penultimate day of the Durga Puja today.

Even as more than half the state was reeling under flood water, Kolkata virtually turned into an island of joy with people from all walks of life hopping pandals.

With a massive security being arranged everywhere, no untward incidents had been reported so far.

However, a 40-minute downpour left several places waterlogged, including the premises of a number of pandals, with impeccable craft and artistry.

The rain water accumulated in the low lying parts of north and central Kolkata giving the puja organisers a harrowing time.

Though vehicles moved slowly and halted longer than the usual at every crossing, the traffic never came to a standstill because of management.

Since evening steady streams of visitors snaked through every lane and bylane, barring the waterlogged areas and as night grew old the crowd swelled.

UNI KDG PC VA KP2033