Chaitra Navratri Begins: Devotees Crowd Temples Across India

Devotees thronged temples across India on Thursday as the nation marked Chaitra Navratri, one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga.

The nine-day festival, also called Ram Navratri, culminates on Lord Rama’s birth anniversary and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year.

Throughout the festival, worshippers observe rituals, wear traditional colours specific to each day, and offer prayers to the nine forms of Maa Durga.

Many devotees fast from Pratipada to Navami, seeking blessings and spiritual fulfilment.

In Uttarakhand, large crowds gathered at the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar.

“During Navratri, devotees believe Mata Rani fulfils the wishes of all who pray with a true heart,” a devotee told IANS.

The temple priest highlighted the significance of the occasion, noting that worshippers offer flowers, sweets, coconuts, and other traditional items to please the Goddess.

In Jammu and Kashmir, pilgrims thronged the Vaishno Devi Temple to seek Mata Rani’s blessings.

A devotee said, “I come here almost every year, but this is my first visit during Navratri. The temple looks beautifully decorated, and it feels very special.”

In Delhi, devotees visited the Kalka Ji Temple to worship Mata Kalka.

One worshipper shared, “Every year during Navratri, I come here. The temple’s arrangements are well-managed, and by the grace of Mata Rani, everyone’s wishes are fulfilled.”

Authorities at key religious sites have made arrangements to manage the large crowds.

The festival, however, continues over the coming days with prayers, rituals, and devotional activities, reflecting the widespread faith, enthusiasm, and spiritual fervour of devotees across India.

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