Patna: Sharadiya Navratri will be observed over 11 days this year instead of the usual 10, with Durga Puja preparations gathering pace at temples and pandals across the region.
According to astrologer Pandit Dinkar Jha of Ganeshpur, the Mithila Panchang places Kalash Sthapana on Sunday, October 11, marking the beginning of Navratri.
Maha Ashtami And Navami Dates
Jha said Ashtami will begin on Sunday, October 18, and continue until 7:34 am on Monday, October 19. As a result, the Maha Ashtami fast will be observed on October 18.
Navami will begin at 7:34 am on October 19 and continue until 9:45 am on October 20. The Maha Navami fast and Bali ritual will therefore be observed on October 20, based on the Udaya Tithi principle.
October 19 will be treated as a Shunya Tithi, or skipped lunar day, in this sequence.
According to the Mithila Panchang, Vijayadashami and Durga Visarjan will be observed on Wednesday, October 21. Other almanacs, however, place Vijayadashami on October 20.
Preparations Underway
Durga temples and puja committees have begun the final phase of preparations ahead of the festival. Work includes idol-making, pandal construction, temple cleaning and decoration.
The extended festival period has also generated interest among devotees, with preparations continuing at various locations ahead of October 11.
Goddess Durga To Arrive On Elephant
According to Jha, Goddess Durga will arrive on an elephant, or Gaja Vahan, and will also depart with her family on an elephant on Vijayadashami.
In Hindu religious tradition, an elephant is associated with wisdom, stability, prosperity and abundance. The elephant is also linked with Lord Ganesha and Goddess Mahalakshmi.
Jha said the elephant mount is traditionally considered an auspicious sign and is associated with prosperity, stability and favourable conditions. Religious belief also associates the elephant’s presence with the possibility of abundant rainfall during the year.
The arrival and departure of the Goddess on an elephant have added to the enthusiasm among devotees as preparations for Durga Puja enter their final stage.
