Overview

• Chaturthi tithi runs from 1:54 pm on August 26 to 3:44 pm on August 27, with the Madhyahna installation window around 11:05 am–1:40 pm on August 27, and the 10-day festival concluding on September 6.
• Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja unveiled a Tirupati Balaji–inspired golden palace theme in its 92nd year, as the mandal reiterated it issues no VIP darshan passes and warned devotees about fake pass scams.
• Another marquee Mumbai pandal, Mumbaicha Raja, revealed a Rameshwaram Temple theme ahead of the festivities, drawing devotees to its annual showcase.
• Indian Railways announced 392 special train trips between August 21 and September 10 to ease festival travel for devotees.
• Civic and media guidance urges clay or biodegradable idols and kitchen-made options such as rice flour or chocolate, along with use of designated immersion sites, while holiday policies vary by state with Uttar Pradesh not declaring a statewide holiday.