Maha Ashtami is one of the most important days of Durga Puja. The day holds profound significance within Hindu culture and is believed to be the day when the energy and power of Goddess Durga peak, commemorating her fierce battle and ultimate victory over Mahishasura. Devotees pay homage to Ma Durga in her formidable warrior form on this day. Though Kolkata is know for its grand celebration of Durga puja, but the real essence of the festivities lies in the 'para pujo' (community pujas) of the city. Hundreds of these pujas brings thousands together. Shorts91 became a part of one such 'para pujo' organised by the Jadavpur Uttarpally Adhibashibrinda in South Kolkata. After the morning puja and aarti its time for the legendary Sandhi Puja held during the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and first 24 minutes of Navami. 108 lamps are lit and offerings made to seek blessings. The festive spirit and fervour is at its peak on Maha Ashtami in Kolkata and accross the world.

The first Navratri puja in 75 years took place at the newly built Sharda Temple on the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir's Kupwara. Pilgrims from across India attended, including Swami Govindananda Saraswati. Kashmiri Pandits like actor A.K. Raina joined the celebrations. Head of Save Sharda Committee called it historic to hold Navratri puja at the temple since partition. Local Muslims and Hindus shared sentiments about witnessing the revival of cultural and religious heritage on the LoC. The original temple was destroyed in 1947 tribal raids. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday welcomed in the Navratri puja at the Sharda temple in Kashmir saying it signifies the return of peace in the valley.

The vibrant streets of East London came alive for the special 10th Annual Jagannath Rathayatra Chariot Festival in Ilford. Thousands participated in the grand procession, pulling elaborately decorated chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra deities. Spectators lined the streets, enthralled by the colourful chariots, traditional music and chanting. Around 4000 plates of free vegetarian prasadam were distributed to visitors. Deputy Mayor Saira Zamil led worship ceremonies to mark the start of the auspicious event. The festival commemorated a decade of devotion for the community while upholding the spirit of tradition. It was dedicated to founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak extended greetings ahead of the inauguration of the Akshardham Temple in Robbinsville, New Jersey, the largest Hindu temple outside India. Modi praised the temple's spiritual significance and its role in connecting the Indian diaspora, emphasizing India's cultural heritage. Sunak marveled at the temple's beauty and its representation of India's values. This marks the third Akshardham complex globally, with the first in Gandhinagar, India, in 1992, and the second in New Delhi in 2005. The temple inauguration is scheduled for October 8 with the aim of fostering global peace and harmony.

The Indian Diaspora in the UK (IDUK Group) organized remarkable Ganesh Immersion ceremonies over three days, involving more than 300 Ganesha idols and 2000 attendees. The celebrations, held on September 20th, 23rd, and 28th, honored Lord Ganesha, symbolizing wisdom and prosperity. Attended by Indian-origin politicians like MP Virendra Sharma and Deputy Mayor Balvinder Singh, the event showcased India's cultural richness. IDUK Group expressed gratitude to participants and volunteers, emphasizing its dedication to preserving Indian heritage and fostering cultural unity within the UK's Indian community. The organization's initiatives, including Independence Day and Republic Day events, aim to promote understanding and appreciation of Indian culture.

The 13th edition of Slough Mitra Mandal’s (SMM) Ganeshotsav was celebrated with enthusiasm at The Hindu Cultural Society’s Slough Hindu Temple in the UK. The event united the Indian community from various regions, featuring cultural performances, a grand welcome procession, and religious rituals. Over 5000 devotees, including 3600 enjoying Mahaprasad, participated. Activities like kids' drawing competitions and Antakshari added to the festivities. The event culminated in a spiritual performance by Guru Vidwan Shri Sujay Shanbhag. The SMM Core Committee thanked volunteers and sponsors for making the celebration possible and fostering Indian traditions and festivals in the local and newly migrated communities.

The Art of Living Foundation's World Culture Festival kicked off in Washington DC on Thursday, drawing an estimated one million attendees on the opening day. The iconic National Mall provided a striking backdrop for the festival, which featured performances by renowned artists and speeches by global leaders. Guests included Ban Ki-moon, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and India's Minister S Jaishankar. Founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said the event promotes global unity and understanding between cultures. Over 100 countries are represented among the 17,000 performing artists. (Image Courtesy: Erik Solheim on X)  

The construction of the ground floor of the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be completed by December end, said temple Construction Committee Chairperson Nripendra Mishra. The consecration ceremony is expected on January 22. Prime Minister Modi is likely to attend an event related to the 'pran pratishtha' between January 20-24, though the final date is yet to be confirmed. Work is also underway on an apparatus to be installed on the temple shikhar to make sun rays fall on Ram Lalla's forehead on Ram Navami annually. The opening of the temple for devotees is anticipated on January 24 post consecration. (Image Courtesy: @ShriRamTeerth on X)

High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami attended Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations by Maharashtra Mandal London, whose history dates back to the 1930s. He wished participants a joyous festival. In Scotland, Consul General Bijay Selvaraj and Consul Satya Veer Singh joined the Indian community for the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations organized by SAMRAT Scotland. Dr. Sandesh Gulhane MSP for Glasgow also participated in the festival. The envoys' presence at the key festivals highlights Indian missions' efforts to connect with diaspora communities in the UK and Scotland by partaking in cultural events. [Image Courtesy: @HCI_London & @IndiainScotland]

The Indian Diaspora UK (IDUK) Group successfully conducted an official Ganesh immersion ceremony at the scenic Slough Jubilee River in the UK. The 3-day event on September 20, 23, and 28 saw over 1500 devotees participate with devotion. IDUK expressed gratitude to all attendees, volunteers, and community members for making it a grand success. The organization is dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and preserving Indian traditions among the diaspora in Britain. The well-attended Ganesh Visarjan ceremony highlighted IDUK's efforts to sustain Indian culture and festivals for Indians residing in the UK.