Pandit Mrityunjay Pandey of Ranchi said Sharadiya Navratri begins with Mahalaya and Kalash Sthapana, and that Goddess Durga is traditionally believed to arrive on an elephant and depart on a rooster, associated with auspiciousness and hardships respectively. He advised devotees on fasting practices, consistent vows, physical limits, and urged prayers for societal welfare amid traditional cautions about adhik maas.
