Overview

• President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Maha Ashtami greetings, highlighting the festival’s spiritual values and wishing for peace and wellbeing.
• Ashtami observances featured widely circulated panchang guidance, including Abhijit, Vijay and Godhuli muhurats, and recommendations for Kanya/Kumari Puja.
• Bhubaneswar reported major pandal footfall and traffic strain, with over 172 pandals and a 62‑foot Durga idol unveiled by the Tangibanta committee drawing large crowds.
• Assam’s celebrations took a subdued tone as puja committees paid tribute to the late singer Zubeen Garg and canceled many evening cultural programmes.
• Coverage now guides devotees on Maha Navami on Oct 1, noting the Navami tithi from 6:06 pm Sep 30 to 7:01 pm Oct 1, morning Kanya Puja slots, and traditional bhog such as til-based offerings, halwa, puri and kale chane.