Devotees lined up outside Mumba Devi Temple in Mumbai on Durga Ashtami as Maharashtra's temples remain closed due to COVID-19. "Our business is down by almost 70 per cent despite the festive season," says Kanchan, a stall-owner outside the temple.
Maha Ashtami or the eighth day is one of the most important days during the Navratri and there is some doubt over the exact timing of the Durga Maha Ashtami this year.
Durga Maha Ashtami is being considered to fall on 24 October in 2020. However the tithi for Ashtami has begun from 6.57 am on 23 October and the tithi will last till 6.58 am on Saturday, reported Times of India.
There have been protests in Maharashtra to open temples in the state. In protest against the continuing lockdown implementation on holy shrines, a Mahajan Andolan will be held by the VHP across temples in the state on October 24, including the six-centuries-old Mumba Devi temple in Mumbai. The saffron political party also alleged that they will get down to breaking the locks of the places of worship if the gates are not opened to the public soon.