Overview

• This year’s nine-day observance starts on September 22 and is reported to conclude with Vijayadashami/Dussehra on October 2.
• Day 1 honors Maa Shailputri, with devotees wearing white and commonly offering desi ghee halwa as bhog.
• Published timings include Pratipada beginning at 1:23 am on September 22 and ending at 2:55 am on September 23, with Ghatasthapana windows of 6:09–8:06 am and an Abhijeet slot of 11:49 am–12:38 pm.
• Mumbai’s Mumbadevi and Mahalaxmi temples announced extended darshan and special events, including a 5:30 am mangala aarti, Ghatasthapana in the early morning, a Deepotsav on September 26, and a Chandi Mahayagya on October 1.
• Outlets shared the nine-day colour list and festival wishes for social platforms as coverage also spotlighted regional expressions such as West Bengal’s puja pandals and Gujarat’s garba.