KOLKATA - Thousands of people from all parts of the state thronged Durga Puja "pandals" here Thursday to offer prayers on Mahasaptami - the second day of puja.

MEERATI - It was Pranab Mukherjee in a different role. Taking time off from his duties as India's finance minister, Mukherjee was busy overseeing the arrangements for the traditional Durga Puja at his ancestral home in this village in West Bengal's Birbhum district.

KOLKATA - Tradition trumps modernity when it comes to fashion during the Durga Puja festivities in the city.

NEW DELHI - The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will lead a commemorative service at the Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (ISPCK) in the capital Friday to mark 300 years of service to the Indian community by the society.

AGARTALA - Security has been stepped up in Tripura on account of Durga Puja.