Tonight, India, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Russia will witness a mesmerizing partial lunar eclipse, starting at 11:31 PM IST. Astrophysicist Debi Prasad Duari confirmed the event, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Lakshmi Puja in West Bengal and Sharad Poonam. The penumbral eclipse begins at 11:31 PM IST, with the partial umbral eclipse starting at 1:05 AM IST on October 29. Maximum obscuration of the lunar disc occurs at 1:44 AM IST, concluding at 2:23 AM IST. Stargazers can enjoy this celestial display during the late hours of October 28 and early hours of October 29. [ Representative Image]

In a vibrant celebration, London's Hindu temple in Slough marked the 30th year of Dussehra with grandeur. Over a thousand attendees witnessed a spectacular fireworks display featuring 30 minutes of dazzling lights. The event, adorned with depictions of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Hanuman was filled with enthusiastic participants, including children. Chief guest Chairman Vinod Kumar Sharma, alongside Rishu Walia, Hirdesh Gupta, and Pandit Naresh Saraswat, graced the occasion. This jubilant festivity symbolizing the victory of good over evil added sparkle to the London skyline, echoing the global spirit of Dussehra.

In a tradition cherished by the Bengali community worldwide, the anticipation for Goddess Durga's return begins soon after her departure to Mount Kailasha on the day of Dashami (Dussehra). Shorts91 presents the upcoming schedule for Maa Durga's visit next year. Mahalaya, the day of "Tarpan", is slated for October 2, 2024. Navratri festivities commence on October 3, following Mahalaya. The full Pujo schedule includes Shashti on October 9, Saptami on October 10, Ashtami on October 11, and Navami on October 12 in 2024. The divine goddess will bid farewell on Dashami, falling on October 13, 2024. Shorts91 wishes Shubho Bijoya to all our readers and wait for the return of the Mother next year.

During the ongoing Navratri festival in India, the 146-year-old Kanyaka Parameshwari Ammavari Temple in Visakhapatnam's Kurupam Market has captured attention with its elaborate decoration. The temple is adorned with currency notes and gold ornaments worth crores. The total worth of the currency used in the temple's decoration, including that of the goddess Kanyaka Parameshwari idol, is estimated at Rs 2 crore. The 10-day Navaratri festival featured worship of various goddess incarnations and special abhishekam ceremonies with 18 different liquids. The goddess was bedecked with gold ornaments, golden flowers, gold saris, and a significant quantity of precious metals and currency.

The Shorts91 team visited Durga Puja pandals across West London this Saturday, soaking in the festive atmosphere that evoked the feel of India far from home. Prabashi UK Pandal's golden theme and delicious bhog transported us to Kolkata. The newly launched Prayas UK Pandal signified the younger generation taking over organizing the celebrations. Bengal Heritage Foundation's Sharad Utsav provided four days of cultural events, worship, and free bhog. With over 10,000 visitors, they host various cultural programs year-round. These groups help Indians in London feel connected to their roots during festivals when homesickness peaks. Their efforts truly capture the spirit of Durga Puja abroad.

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.