Overview

• Ghatasthapana on September 22 is set for the morning, with the muhurat reported as 6:09–8:06 am, though local panchang timings may vary.
• Key observances fall on Durga Ashtami (September 30), Mahanavami with Kanya Pujan (October 1), and Vijayadashami/Dussehra (October 2).
• Outlets publish a day-by-day guide to the nine forms of Durga and daily colours, beginning with Shailaputri in white on September 22 and Brahmacharini in red on September 23.
• Astrologers say the ten-day span stems from a missing tithi in Shraddha/Pitru Paksha, with an additional Chaturthi appearing during Navratri this year.
• Times Now cites traditional texts noting a Monday start signals the Goddess ‘arrives on an elephant’ and a Thursday Vijayadashami means a ‘human’ departure, beliefs viewed as auspicious.