In Assam, Durga Puja is being celebrated across the state with traditional gaiety and religious fervour. Today is Maha Ashtami, the second prominent day of Puja. People thronged puja pandals, numbering over three thousand this year,with some reflecting contemporary issues. A few puja committees have crossed 100 years of their existence. The 100 year old Puranigudam Puja at Nagaon has a unique wooden Durga idol. Durga puja is also being celebrated at Kamkhaya, Digheswari, Maha Bhairabi , Ugrotara and Tamreswari temples.In West Bengal, the Durga puja festival has reached its peak on Maha Ashtami day today. In the morning, people of all ages wearing new clothes, offered prayers to Devi Durga. In the evening, Sandhi Puja will be performed at various pandals.