Normal life across Mumbai halted on Tuesday as people observed two minutes of silence in memory of more than 180 people killed in last week's train bombings.
Sirens sounded across the city to mark the start of the tribute at 6.25 pm to coincide with the first of seven coordinated bomb blasts that targeted first-class railway commuters on July 11.
People stood in silence inside the Churchgate railway terminus in the south of the city where thousands took trains last week before the blasts that killed 182 and injured nearly 900.
Office worker Lourdef Godinho, among people milling in the business district of Nariman Point, said: "This is the best way to bring everybody together."
President Abdul Kalam arrived at the crowded station of Mahim to lay a wreath near where many died in one of the blasts.
At least eight rail workers also died and staff joined ceremonies at the seven stations nearest the blasts where black granite plaques have been put up to honour the dead.
Cinemas interrupted films and flights were delayed so aircraft did not take off or land during the two minutes, officials said.
But there were some dissenting voices. "Instead of having this two-minute silence the government should have made sure that all those that needed help should have got it," said Deepak Birmole, 27, a shop worker.
{{/usCountry}}But there were some dissenting voices. "Instead of having this two-minute silence the government should have made sure that all those that needed help should have got it," said Deepak Birmole, 27, a shop worker.
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