Sun Sep 21 03:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the text:
**Summary:**
The Sharadiya Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, begins tomorrow, September 22nd. This year, the festival is exceptionally long, lasting 10 days, a rare occurrence happening after nine years (last time was in 2016). This extended duration is due to the repetition of the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day). Over these ten days, devotees will worship the nine forms of Durga. This year, the goddess is arriving on an elephant, which, according to Devi Purana, is a symbol of knowledge and prosperity. The article also details auspicious times for Kalash Sthapana (establishing the sacred pot), guidelines for fasting, foods to avoid and foods to consume during the fast, and the importance of Kanya Pujan. It advises against certain activities during the festival like cutting hair, nails, shaving, wearing black clothes, and consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or other intoxicants.
**News Article:**
**Rare 10-Day Sharadiya Navratri to Begin Tomorrow, Offering Auspicious Times for Celebration**
**New Delhi, September 21st** – The auspicious Sharadiya Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, is set to commence tomorrow, September 22nd, marking the beginning of a period of devotion and celebration. This year’s Navratri holds special significance as it extends to a rare 10-day duration, a phenomenon occurring after a gap of nine years, the last such instance being in 2016.
The extended festival period is due to the repetition of the Chaturthi Tithi, allowing devotees additional time for prayer and reflection. Over the next ten days, devotees will offer their prayers to the nine forms of Durga: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Adding to the auspiciousness, Goddess Durga is believed to be arriving on an elephant this year. According to the Devi Purana, the elephant symbolizes wisdom and prosperity, promising a period of abundance and enlightenment.
The festival begins with the Pratipada Tithi on September 22nd, presenting multiple auspicious times for Kalash Sthapana, the ritualistic installation of a sacred pot. According to astrological calculations, the most favorable times for this ceremony are between 6:09 AM and 7:40 AM, 9:11 AM and 10:43 AM, and during the Abhijit Muhurat from 11:49 AM to 12:38 PM.
During Navratri, many devotees observe a fast, adhering to specific dietary guidelines. Permitted foods include fruits, milk, juice, and items made from Kuttu (buckwheat flour), Rajgira (amaranth flour), and Singhara (water chestnut flour). Strict abstinence from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, tobacco, onion, garlic, and regular salt is advised.
“Devotees should prioritize their health and adjust the intensity of their fast accordingly,” says Pandit Ram Kumar, a local priest. “Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers should avoid rigorous fasting.”
Other recommended practices during Navratri include wearing clean clothes, performing daily prayers, avoiding black attire, and refraining from haircuts, shaving, and nail trimming.
The festival culminates with Kanya Pujan on Ashtami and Navami, where young girls are revered as manifestations of Goddess Durga. Devotees offer them food and gifts, seeking their blessings for prosperity and well-being.
As the nation prepares to immerse itself in the festivities, this year’s extended Sharadiya Navratri offers an opportune time for spiritual growth, family bonding, and seeking the blessings of the divine.
First Piper 