Navratri, one of Hinduism’s most revered festivals, began on Sunday with grandeur and devotion as lakhs of devotees across India thronged temples to seek blessings of Goddess Durga. The nine-day festival, symbolising the triumph of good over evil, commenced with prayers dedicated to Shailputri, the first form of the Goddess.
In Uttarakhand, Haridwar’s Maa Mansa Devi Temple witnessed elaborate decorations and a special aarti, where devotees offered betel leaves, coconuts, and other offerings in reverence. “During Shardiya Navratri, prayers are offered with deep devotion, and the first day is marked by the worship of Shailputri Mata,” a temple priest explained.
In Jammu and Kashmir, chants of “Jai Mata Di” echoed along the pilgrimage route to the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra. Many devotees marked personal milestones with the festival, with one devotee saying he chose to celebrate his birthday at the shrine to seek blessings.
The Shaktipeeth Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh also saw huge gatherings, with priests recalling its spiritual significance linked to the legend of Mata Sati. In Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi, thousands flocked to the Shailputri Temple since morning, with devotees calling it an essential stop on the first day of Navratri.
Delhi’s iconic temples, including Shri Jhandewalan Devi and Kalkaji, saw long queues from early morning hours. Temple administrations deployed additional sevadaars and tightened security to ensure smooth darshan for the swelling crowds. “We come every year to have darshan. The arrangements this year have been very good,” a devotee shared.
In Rajasthan, the Chamunda Mata Temple at Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort drew hundreds of worshippers, with darshan arranged from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for devotees.
Across the nation, the mood was festive as temples adorned with vibrant decorations echoed with devotional songs and chants. From Himalayan shrines to urban temples, Navratri began with a surge of faith, prayer, and celebration, uniting millions in devotion.
The festival, dedicated to Goddess Durga’s nine forms, will continue for nine days with rituals, fasting, and cultural events, culminating in Dussehra, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
