Navratri, celebrated twice a year during Chaitra and Sharad seasons, honours Goddess Durga and marks cosmic transitions. In 2025, Chaitra Navratri was from March to April, while Sharad Navratri is from September to October. Here’s why the festival holds deep spiritual and cultural significance.

State Education Minister Bratya Basu announced that all government-run education institutions would remain closed on September 24 and 25 as heavy downpour brought the city to a near standstill.

Officials said the suspected food poisoning triggered anxiety in the locality, especially as large numbers of people were observing fasting on the occasion of Navratri.