Overview

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted devotees on the Kushmanda day of Navratri, as temples and pandals reported strong turnout across cities.
• In Ranchi, Mahashakti and Netaji Nagar committees opened 'Operation Sindoor' pandals depicting the Pahalgam attack and India’s military response, with laser shows, large-scale sets and dozens of West Bengal workers on site.
• Kolkata’s Santosh Mitra Square adopted the same theme to honor the armed forces, featuring battlefield visuals and models of systems such as BrahMos and S‑400, according to organizers.
• Artisan and performer mobility is shaping celebrations nationwide, from Nagpur’s WB-designed “Wheel of Divinity” installation and Kolkata-crafted idols to Mumbai tours by Purulia Chhau dancers and a Baul singer.
• Eco and digital innovations featured prominently, including a Dhanbad pandal built with over 50,000 earthen pots and Hyderabad’s SVARA-led multimedia rituals amplified on social media, alongside large volunteer-run cultural schedules.