Sun Sep 21 03:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text about observing Navratri during menstruation in 2025, combined with the court case you added:
**Navratri 2025: Guidance for Women Observing the Festival During Menstruation**
As the Hindu festival of Navratri approaches, beginning September 22nd in 2025, many women who observe the nine-day fast and worship of Goddess Durga may have concerns about managing their religious observances during their menstrual cycle. Hindu scriptures offer guidance to help women maintain their devotion during this time.
According to religious texts, menstruation is a natural process and should not prevent women from engaging in spiritual practices. However, certain restrictions apply. Women experiencing their period during Navratri are advised against physically touching idols, puja materials, or participating in the physical aspects of the rituals. Instead, they can focus on mental devotion, reciting prayers and mantras silently or reading scriptures online or from a distance after taking bath and wearing clean clothes.
Women who anticipate menstruation during Navratri may choose to observe only the first and last days of the fast. Those experiencing weakness or health issues should prioritize their well-being and avoid fasting altogether. However, if a woman has already begun the fast and then starts menstruating, she should continue her mental devotion and, if possible, observe the final fast day. After menstruation ceases, she should take a bath, wear clean clothes, and offer prayers to Goddess Durga.
The key message is that devotion and sincerity are paramount. Goddess Durga values faith above all else. Even if physical rituals are restricted, mental prayer, meditation, and heartfelt devotion are considered equally rewarding. Women should not feel discouraged or disheartened if they are unable to participate fully in the physical aspects of Navratri due to their menstrual cycle.
**In related news,** The High Court upheld a family court’s order, stating that it cannot order a person to pay alimony to his wife if he is a beggar. However, the government must ensure that the petitioner’s wives have access to food and clothing.