In pictures: Kolkata’s Brigade Parade ground turns into a funfair ahead of PM Modi’s address

The prime minister landed in Kolkata almost an hour late. A sea of BJP workers and supporters waited around the vast ground, taking selfies with cut-outs of Modi

About one lakh people relished plates of dalma, the traditional lentil and vegetable stew from Odisha. Party workers and leaders alike were seen relishing the simple vegetarian dish served to people attending the event

At the ground, a flea market sprang up. Vendors spread cloth sheets on the grass, displaying piles of shirts, children’s clothes and everyday garments as rallygoers stopped to browse

Nearby, others sold colourful handbags and backpacks stacked in neat piles

The crowd also relished fruit chaats to beat the rising heat in Kolkata

Supporters draped in saffron scarves also stopped to buy sketches of freedom fighters, political leaders, nationalist icons and religious figures at the rally venue ahead of Modi’s address