Initially planned as a grand celebration, the ceremony has been scaled down following Garg’s passing in Singapore on September 19. A 40-minute musical tribute will feature performances by Papon, Joy Barua, Shreya Ghoshal, and the Shillong Choir.

This marks the first time Assam is hosting a World Cup match. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia urged people from Guwahati, the state, and the Northeast to attend and pay homage to the music icon. The stadium is expected to reach its full capacity of approximately 40,000 spectators.

With India playing on the opening day, security has been strengthened with multiple layers and traffic management strategies. The match coincides with Mahashtami during Durga Puja, so additional traffic restrictions will be enforced. India and Sri Lanka are jointly hosting the tournament, with matches also scheduled in Indore, Visakhapatnam, Navi Mumbai, and Colombo.

The post BCCI to Honour Zubeen Garg at Women’s World Cup appeared first on India Podcast.

Maa Chandraghanta gets her name from the crescent moon (Chandra) on her forehead shaped like a bell (Ghanta). She symbolizes bravery, wisdom, and protection from evil forces. Worshipping her is believed to remove obstacles, reduce stress, and bring peace and prosperity.

About Maa Chandraghanta
Maa Chandraghanta rides a lion and has ten hands carrying various weapons, representing strength and valor. Though fierce in appearance, she is gentle toward her devotees and shields them from negativity.

Significance of Navratri Day 3 Maa Chandraghanta
Devotees believe that praying to Maa Chandraghanta on this day instills fearlessness, inner strength, and mental clarity. Her blessings promote harmony in family life and protection from anxiety and stress.

Puja Rituals for Maa Chandraghanta

• Take a bath and wear white clothes, representing purity and calmness.

• Place an idol or picture of Maa Chandraghanta on a clean altar.

• Offer flowers like jasmine and lotus, light a ghee lamp and incense.

• Recite the mantra: “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” while offering fruits and sweets.

• Conclude with aarti and distribute prasad.

Colour & Mantra
White is the auspicious colour for Day 3. Chanting “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” removes fear, boosts confidence, and fills life with positivity. Devotees may also recite Durga Saptashati for blessings.

Navratri Day 3 Maa Chandraghanta celebrates courage, serenity, and divine protection, bringing peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength to her devotees.

The post Navratri Day 3 2025: Maa Chandraghanta Puja Rituals, Mantra & Significance appeared first on India Podcast.

The loudspeaker time till midnight has been welcomed by cultural and religious groups. Organising committees had long requested this extension to accommodate traditional performances and community gatherings. Loudspeaker time till midnight ensures that celebrations continue with full enthusiasm while respecting local customs.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed the relaxation, emphasizing that noise pollution norms must still be followed. Residential areas must maintain sound levels below 45 dB(A) at night. RWAs have urged organisers to self-regulate and avoid disturbing elderly residents and children.

The Delhi government has also streamlined permissions through a single-window system, making it easier for event planners. With this festive facilitation, Delhi is set to enjoy longer, louder, and more joyful nights.

The post Loudspeaker Hours Extended: Delhi Celebrates Longer Festive Nights appeared first on India Podcast.

Ghatasthapana 2025 Muhurat

According to the Drik Panchang, performing Ghatasthapana during the right muhurat ensures maximum spiritual benefit.

• Ghatasthapana Date: Monday, September 22, 2025

• Muhurta Timing: 06:10 AM to 08:06 AM (Duration: 1 hr 56 min)

• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:50 AM to 12:39 PM (Duration: 49 min)

• Tithi: Pratipada

• Lagna: Dvi-Svabhava Kanya Lagna

• Pratipada Begins: 01:23 AM, September 22

• Pratipada Ends: 02:55 AM, September 23

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi

1. Purification: Clean the puja area and sprinkle Ganga Jal to sanctify it.

2. Kalash Preparation: Fill a pot with sacred soil, sow barley seeds, and place a Kalash filled with holy water.

3. Decoration: Arrange mango leaves around the Kalash, place a coconut wrapped in a red cloth on top, and tie a sacred thread (moli).

4. Invocation: Light a diya, offer flowers, rice, kumkum, and chant Durga mantras to invite Maa Durga’s blessings.

5. Kalash Sthapana: Perform the ritual during Kanya Lagna Muhurat.

6. Prasad Offering: Offer fruits, sweets, or traditional dishes like suji halwa or kheer.

Essential Puja Samagri

Kalash, coconut in red cloth, mango leaves, barley seeds, red chunri, Ganga Jal, flowers, kumkum, haldi, diya, incense sticks, fruits, and sweets.

Spiritual Significance

Ghatasthapana symbolizes the awakening of Shakti, the supreme feminine energy. The Kalash represents prosperity, strength, and divine protection. Devotees believe that performing this ritual with devotion brings Maa Durga’s blessings for health, happiness, and spiritual growth.

The post Shardiya Navratri 2025 Ghatasthapana: Date, Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Samagri & Significance appeared first on India Podcast.

Temple authorities said the idols were crafted for Durga Puja and were destroyed after artisans left. The vandal broke heads and other parts of the idols. CCTV footage helped identify and capture the accused.

This marks the second such attack within a week. Earlier, miscreants damaged idols and stole a security camera from Shwarupdah Palpara Sri Sri Rakhha Kali Temple in Kushtia district. Authorities reported that electricity outages and light rain were exploited by the perpetrators.

The attacks reflect a growing trend of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh since August 2024. Local leaders expressed fear ahead of Durga Puja celebrations. The interim government has faced criticism for failing to prevent such incidents and for controversial remarks against Hindu rituals.

The post Hindu Temple Idols Vandalised in Bangladesh appeared first on India Podcast.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also wished people on social media. She shared a new Puja song composed by her. Mahalaya begins Devi Paksha, a 10-day celebration leading up to Durga Puja. The festival celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over demon king Mahishasura.

In West Bengal, people traditionally listen to ‘Mahishasura Mardini’, a pre-dawn broadcast of hymns invoking the Goddess. Tarpan rituals are performed at rivers to honour ancestors. Preparations for Durga Puja begin in earnest after Mahalaya. Sculptors paint the eyes of Devi Durga in a ritual known as ‘Chokhhu Daan’, marking the festival countdown.

The post PM Modi, Mamata Banerjee Greet People on Mahalaya appeared first on India Podcast.

During Navratri, devotees worship the nine forms of the Goddess, with each day dedicated to a specific manifestation. Along with the prayers and rituals, each day holds special significance. Devotees engage in fasting, prayers, and traditional dances like Dandiya and Garba. These celebrations bring communities together, with people visiting temples, participating in dance, and making offerings to the Goddess.

Navratri is not only a religious occasion but a cultural one, with various regional practices adding unique flavor to the celebration. It is a time to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and success. In addition to the spiritual aspects, the festival also promotes unity, as people from different regions come together to celebrate their shared devotion to Goddess Durga.

The festival marks the beginning of the harvest season in many parts of India and is an occasion for both personal reflection and community festivities. Navratri culminates in Dussehra, which celebrates the victory of good over evil, and is a reminder of the triumph of virtue and righteousness.

The post Navratri 2025: Dates, Colors, Significance, and Rituals Explained appeared first on India Podcast.