Varanasi buzzes with energy as Navratri kicks off, turning the ancient city into a vibrant mini West Bengal. Devotees and tourists flock to stunning Durga Puja pandals, where elaborate decorations and massive crowds create a festive whirlwind.
One standout spot at Sanatan Dharma Inter College features a pandal modeled after the famous Khatu Shyam Temple, pulling in visitors with its intricate design. Over at Bathua Market, another pandal mirrors the majestic Maa Chamundeshwari Devi Temple, offering a serene yet grand vibe. Inside these setups, painted soldiers in bold patriotic colors stand guard around the Goddess Durga idol, blending tradition with national pride.
Adding a modern twist, a real BrahMos missile takes center stage at a nearby pandal, drawing gasps and photos from onlookers. In Lahartara, organizers built an entire pandal for army soldiers using India’s tricolour flag, honoring the armed forces in a powerful show of respect.
The BrahMos missile display has quickly become a Navratri highlight, captivating everyone who passes by. Pandals officially open for darshan starting Maha Saptami, the seventh day of the festival. From September 29, locals from Kashi and surrounding areas pour in for prayers on Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami. The celebrations peak with the idol immersion on the tenth day, Dashami.
Tilak Raj Mishra, president of the Central Puja Committee in Kashi Region, Uttar Pradesh, shares the excitement: “Preparations look fantastic. This is a VIP area, and we’ve decked out the pandals beautifully. This year, Varanasi hosts 512 pandals across the city.”
Maha Saptami fell on September 29, marking the start of Durga Puja’s most intense phase. According to the Hindu calendar, the Saptami Tithi began on September 28 at 2:27 p.m. and wrapped up the next day at 4:31 p.m., during the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month.
This day holds deep meaning as it launches Goddess Durga’s epic battle against the demon king Mahishasura, representing good’s victory over evil—the story wraps on Vijaya Dashami. Devotees honor Durga in her fierce Kaalratri form on Saptami, a powerful aspect of Adi Shakti that banishes fear, negativity, and hurdles from life.
While India celebrates Durga Puja everywhere, Maha Saptami shines brightest in eastern states like West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura. Pandals light up with towering idols, colorful setups, and lively cultural shows. Families come together for delicious feasts, heartfelt prayers, and community fun. Across the country, people fast, chant sacred mantras, and slip into auspicious outfits to embrace the spirit of Navratri.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
