In pics: Bhai Phonta, Infantry Day celebrations and more news from Kolkata

Actress June Malia puts a tilak on West Bengal minister for sports and youth affairs, Aroop Biswas’ forehead to mark Bhai Phonta on Thursday at an old age home, Nabanir, in Bansdroni. Also seen are actresses Trina Saha and Sayantika Banerjee.

Policemen on duty in north Kolkata get a feel of Bhai Phonta on Thursday.

As part of the Infantry Day celebrations on Thursday, a ‘wreath laying’ ceremony was held at Vijay Smarak, Fort William to honour the bravehearts of the Infantry, who made the supreme sacrifice in service of the nation. Infantry Day is celebrated annually on October 27 to mark the landing of first Indian infantry soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir who took part in an action for defending Indian territory from Pakistani invaders. This year marks the 75th anniversary of Infantry Day and to celebrate the day, the Indian Army has organised special bike rallies across all cardinal directions.

People on a buying-spree in north Kolkata for Chhath Puja. The four-day festival starts on October 28 with the 'Nahai Khai' ritual and ends with 'Usha Arghya'. Devotees worship the Sun God during the festival. To facilitate devotees, Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said, “For Chhath Puja, we have started over 250 trains.”