Overview

• Drik Panchang listed Ashtami muhurats for puja and Kumari/Kanya rites, noting Ashtami lasts until 6:06 pm before Navami begins.
• Navami tithi runs from 6:06 pm on September 30 to 7:01 pm on October 1, with published Kanya Pujan windows including 4:53–5:41 am and 8:06–9:50 am.
• Crowds packed pandals in West Bengal and Odisha, with Bhubaneswar highlighting eco-guidelines and unveiling a 62‑ft Durga idol as traffic controls were enforced.
• Assam observed a subdued day as many organizers canceled evening cultural programmes and paid tributes to the late singer Zubeen Garg, while security and crowd management were strengthened.
• President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Maha Ashtami greetings, as guides also advised traditional bhog such as halwa‑puri‑chana and til-based offerings for Navami.