New Delhi: Thousands of devotees flocked to temples across India on Thursday morning to mark the first day of the nine-day festival of Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Durga. This year, the celebration began on October 3, focusing on the worship of Maa Shailputri, who symbolises strength and devotion.
In Delhi, the atmosphere was vibrant at Jhandewalan Mata Temple, where large crowds gathered for the traditional aarti. Devotees offered prayers and expressed their devotion, marking the start of this important festival. Similar scenes were witnessed in various parts of the country, with many people participating in rituals and prayers to honour the goddess in her different forms.
#WATCH | Delhi: Aarti performed at the Jandewalan Mata temple on the occasion of the first day of Sharadiya Navratri pic.twitter.com/IMkDB5gzSJ
— ANI (@ANI) October 2, 2024
Devotees throng temples in large numbers
In Uttar Pradesh, devotees assembled in significant numbers at sacred sites like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj and other cities. They performed aartis and engaged in festive activities to celebrate the first day of Shardiya Navratri. Temples across the state witnessed an influx of people seeking blessings from the goddess.
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#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Aarti is being performed at Shri Mumba Devi temple in Mumbai pic.twitter.com/f1IBjqu6q0
— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2024
In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated the Durga Puja celebrations at Jodhpur Park, emphasising unity and inclusivity during her address. She wished for everyone’s well-being during the festivities and highlighted the importance of community support for the celebrations.
#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: Devotees throng Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Katra on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri. pic.twitter.com/9if1fO9LbC
— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2024
In Gujarat, traditional garba dances and aartis filled the air as devotees celebrated Navratri with enthusiasm. Communities came together to participate in cultural events, showcasing their vibrant traditions.
#WATCH | Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: Devotees in huge numbers gather at the Alopi Sankari Devi Shakti Peeth Temple on the occasion of the first day of Sharadiya Navratri pic.twitter.com/ifvVp7oCds
— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2024
In Maharashtra, devotees visited local temples for the special aarti, while many engaged in cultural programs and dance performances. The festivities included elaborate decorations and public gatherings.
#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Devotees gather at the Ashta Bhuji Temple, Shivpur on the occasion of the first day of Sharadiya Navratri pic.twitter.com/U7N03kzCoP
— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2024
In southern states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, temples saw significant participation, with rituals honouring the goddess. Devotees performed aartis and engaged in feasts, celebrating the festive spirit.
#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: Devotees in huge numbers gather at the Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple on the occasion of the first day of Sharadiya Navratri pic.twitter.com/rcbtgUyyWL
— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2024
All you need to know about first day of Navratri
Throughout India, the nine days of Navratri involve worshipping nine forms of the Goddess, accompanied by rituals such as stage decorations, recitals and chanting of scriptures. The festival also aligns with the harvest season, showcasing pandal competitions, family visits to installations, and public performances of classical and folk dances.
Maa Shailputri, revered on the first day, is depicted with a radiant glow, holding a lotus flower in her left hand and a trident in her right, with a bull as her vehicle. She is known for her kindness and mercy, often relieving her devotees of their sorrows. Born as the daughter of the King of Himalayas, she embodies the strength of nature and devotion. Maa Shailputri is also recognized as Goddess Parvati.
The final day of the festival, Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of good over evil. It involves the immersion of Goddess Durga’s idols in water bodies or the burning of effigies of demons, symbolizing the destruction of evil forces. The Navratri festivities set the stage for the upcoming Diwali celebrations, which follow 20 days after Vijayadashami, making it a time of joy, reflection, and cultural significance across the nation.
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