Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11, kicking off nine days of intense dandiya and garba gatherings across the city. mid-day’s photographers bring you glimpses of the preparation behind the scenes.

Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi witnessed a heavy rush on Tuesday as devotees thronged the shrine to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings on Angarki Sankashti Chaturthi, the monthly auspicious observance. PICS/ATUL KAMBLE