Overview

• Drik Panchang lists Ashtami Tithi from September 29, 4:31 pm to September 30, 6:06 pm, Navami Tithi from September 30, 2:02 pm to October 1, 3:16 pm, and Sandhi Puja today from 5:42 pm to 6:30 pm.
• Kanya or Kumari Puja is being observed on Ashtami or Navami with the traditional bhog of sooji halwa, poori, and kala chana offered to young girls.
• Additional auspicious windows for Ashtami rites were published, including Abhijit (11:47 am–12:35 pm), Vijay (2:10 pm–2:58 pm), Godhuli (6:08 pm–6:32 pm), and Chara, Labh, and Amrit periods.
• Bhubaneswar reported heavy pandal crowds and traffic near more than 172 venues, with a 62‑ft Durga idol unveiled in Mancheswar drawing large numbers.
• In Assam, organisers toned down celebrations and paid tributes following singer Zubeen Garg’s death, as leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge extended festival greetings.