Thousands of devotees throng pandals on Mahanavmi

Kolkata, Oct 8 (UNI) Thousands of devotees and puja revellers thronged different pandals on Durga Puja here on 'Mahanavami' today.

Celebrating the festival with traditional gaiety they offered prayers with the authorities making elaborate security arrangements to avert any untoward incidents.

People attired in their new clothes were seen gathering at pandals to get ''darshan'' of Goddess Durga.

Private television channels also covered the Pujas live.

Security had been tightened in the entire city and its suburbs in the wake of recent terrorist attacks.

Traffic police were strictly enforcing the restrictions to ensure public safety.

Closed circuit cameras were also installed at different points in and outside the Pandals to monitor anti-social elements.

Meanwhile, there was a huge influx of tourists, including a good number of foreigners as Durga Puja showcased innovative construction of pandals and creation of idols.

UNI RH GT AS2229