Khandeshwar: The ‘Khandeshwar Chi Mauli Sarvajanik Navratri Festival 2026’ is being celebrated opposite Khandeshwar railway station in Sector 25, Kamothe, under the guidance of BJP Maharashtra state secretary and MLA Prashant Thakur.

Organised by the BJP-backed Jai Hanuman Social and Cultural Development Mandal, Motha Khanda, and the Parnerkar Residents’ Association, the festival has attracted devotees with its striking idol of the eight-armed goddess.

Devotees from Khandeshwar, Kamothe and Panvel are visiting the shrine in large numbers. The garba event, organised for the first time this year, has also received an enthusiastic response, drawing dandiya enthusiasts from Kamothe, New Panvel and Panvel.

The goddess is depicted riding a tiger, symbolising strength, power and fearlessness. Her golden crown, red vermilion, nose ring, gold ornaments and yellow marigold garlands enhance the idol’s appearance. Lamps, coconuts, bananas, apples and other fruits offered at her feet reflect devotees’ faith.

The weapons and gestures in her eight hands convey messages of courage, knowledge and righteousness. The trident symbolises the control of the three gunas, sattva, rajas and tamas, while the Sudarshan Chakra represents justice. The conch signifies purity, the mace strength and the sword the triumph of knowledge over ignorance. The lotus represents virtue amid adversity, while the abhaya and varada mudras symbolise protection, blessings and compassion.

The festival brings together religious devotion and cultural traditions. Organiser Satish Patil, president of the BJP OBC Morcha’s Panvel city unit, and Krishna Dhome, secretary of the Parnerkar Residents’ Association, have invited devotees to seek the blessings of Khandeshwari Mauli.