As the festival of Sharadiya Navaratri begins, temples across the country are bustling with devotees celebrating the first day of this nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Devotees lined up to offer their prayers, eager to honor Maa Durga.
In Delhi, the Shri Adhya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir in Chhatarpur hosted a vibrant Aarti ceremony, attracting a large crowd eager to participate in the sacred rituals. Similarly, in Haryana, the Shree Mata Bheemeshvari Devi Mandir (Beri Wali Mata) in Jhajjar saw many devotees gather for an Aarti to pay tribute to the goddess on this special day.
At the Badi Devkali Devi Temple in Ayodhya, a significant number of worshippers filled the premises, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere as they offered their prayers to mark the start of Navratri. In Jammu and Kashmir, crowds gathered at the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, with chants of “Jai Mata Di” echoing through the area as devotees awaited a glimpse of the revered deity.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conveyed his greetings to the public on X, wishing for “happiness, peace, and prosperity” for everyone. He expressed heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the sacred festival of Sharadiya Navratri, praying for blessings of joy, health, and prosperity from Maa Bhagwati.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also extended his greetings, highlighting the significance of Navratri in honoring the divine feminine. He noted that the festival symbolizes the strength of women and reflects the culture and traditions of the region.
In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the Durga Puja celebrations at Jodhpur Park. In her address, she emphasized the importance of unity and inclusivity, wishing for everyone’s well-being during the festivities. She expressed hope that Maa Durga would bless everyone with health and called for support from the community during the puja.
Shardiya Navratri is a vibrant and sacred Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights, honoring the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga. Observed in the lunar month of Ashwin, this festival features fervent worship, elaborate rituals, and cultural performances. Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, symbolizing various aspects of strength, compassion, and wisdom. Devotees engage in fasting, sing devotional songs, and participate in traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, creating a joyful atmosphere.