Overview

• The 10-day festival runs from August 27 to September 6, with the Madhyahna puja window around 11:05 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. per Drik Panchang.
• Indian Railways will operate 367 special services for devotees, with a focus on routes serving the Konkan region.
• Heavy vehicles of 16 tonnes or more are barred on NH-66 from August 23 to 28, with further curbs on August 31, September 2, and September 6–7 for immersion traffic.
• Pune will run metro services from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. during the festival and round the clock on Visarjan day, as Mumbai’s BEST and BMC coordinate temporary power, lighting, and bus support.
• Pandals are adopting patriotic ‘Operation Sindoor’ themes urged by ministers, while artisans report a rise in demand for eco-friendly clay idols across cities.