Chaitra Navratri begins with fervour; devotees throng temples

Staff Reporter

The nine-day festival of Chaitra Navratri began on Tuesday with religious fervour among the devotees across the city. On first day, people worshipped Mata Shailputri with all rituals. Goddess Shailputri is daughter of the king of mountains Himalaya. Throughout nine days, puja of all the nine avatars of Maa Vaishnodevi will be carried out everyday up to the ninth day. On the first day of Navratri, people practised the ‘Ghatasthapana’. Seeds of nine, seven, five, three or one crop were shown on a soil bed created on this day and daily water to see the seeds sprout and grow over the nine days. Devotees have already made preparations to seek blessings of Goddess Durga and performing rituals.

Also known as Sati, Bhawani and Hemavati, the Goddess is the daughter of Himalaya. This day is devoted to white colour. White symbolises peace and serenity signifying the absolute form of Mother Nature-Mata Shailputri. It is believed that Goddess Shailputri controls the planet moon. Day two of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Maa Brahmacharini. This form of Goddess Durga is symbolic of the severe penance carried out by Goddess Parvati, and her unmarried form is worshipped as Goddess Brahmacharini. On Tuesday morning, people cleaned their houses early morning, cooked delicious Prashad and other delicacies. Many people are fasting for nine while some are fasting for the first and ninth day of the festival to please the goddess. Temples are well decked up with flowers and other puja material to receive higher number of devotees. Market is also set up with puja material including attractive dress for the Durga idol.

The nine days festival will be ending on April 17 with community feast and Kanya Bhoj at various locations of city. City temples were washed and decorated to welcome the goddess. The day also marks beginning of New Year as per the Hindu calendar. In the Hindu calendar, Navratri is celebrated four times a year. Among them, Chaitra and Sharada Navratri are considered to be the main Navratris and are celebrated with pomp and show across the country. There is a common belief among the devotees that during these nine days of Navratri, people should wear traditional clothes, as it is considered highly auspicious. During these nine days, different forms of Goddess Durga will be worshipped throughout the country. Every year, Chaitra Navratri starts from the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. This year, Navratri will conclude with the onset of Ram Navami. According to Hindu traditions, it is believed that during the nine days of Chaitra Navratri, Maa Durga comes to Earth to bless her devotees.