AGARTALA, Oct 25 (TIWN): Devotees have offered prayers to Goddess Durga on Navami at Agartala Durga Bari, marking the end of 3 days long Durga puja and to receive final ending with Dasami puja tomorrow. This year however, the crowd was limited in Durga Bari due to COVID-19 and all guidelines of the Govt was followed in the ancient temple.At the marquees and the households worshipping the goddess, people partook bhog (community feast of food items offered to the Goddess first), comprising a varied spread from 'luchis' (deep fried puffed bread) to 'khichuri', vegetable items, to fish and even mutton.In the age of internet where social media sites and apps keep us glued to our electronic devices, it is certainly worth to be a theme at during the Pujas.

The makeshift selfie zones with classical painting meme are a hit among the city dwellers. Maha Navami, also known as Durga Navami, is a Hindu or Vedic festival that is celebrated on the ninth day of Navaratri (Sharada Navaratri) and the fourth/fifth day (depending on the Hindu calendar) of Durga Puja. 

Sharada Navaratri and Durga Puja are celebrated in honour of goddess Durga - the devi or deity of shakti (strength). The holy festival is observed in the Hindu (lunisolar) calendar month of Ashvin, which typically falls in the Gregorian (solar) calendar months of September and October.

In other states, Maha Navami is observed as per Purva-Viddha rule, according to drikpanchang.com. “According to Purva-Viddha rule if on previous day Navami Tithi prevails for 3 Muhurata before sunset then Mahanavami Puja and fasting is observed on the previous day,” it says. In this case, Ashtami and Navami puja, including fasting are done on the same day.