Huge number of devotees reach to Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra to pray on the first day of Navratri

Today marks the beginning of Navratri, the nine-day long Hindu festival. The festival of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. It is celebrated with heartfelt fervour by Hindus all over the country.

The Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir located atop the Trikuta Hills, Katra, Jammu & Kashmir was bustling with devotees who arrived to offer their prayers on the first day of the festivity (Ghatsthapna or Kalash) on this day.

Officials shared that The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has done all necessary arrangements for the rush of devotees visiting the temple. A similar scene occured in Mumba's Mumbai Devi Temple, where people gathered for the early morning 'Aarti' on Monday, as well as in Jhandewalan Temple, Delhi.

In conversation with ANI, a priest at Delhi's Chhatarpur Temple shed light on the significance of this festival. He said that the first day of the Navratri is worshipped in the name of Shailputri. On this day, Maa Durga grants their wishes to those who worship her. He also said that Chhatarpur Temple is famed not just in India, but also across the world. They have made all necessary arrangements for visitors, including langar (food), security arrangements and sanitation.

The meaning of Navratri in Sanskrit is 'nine nights'. Hindus celebrate total four Navratris in a whole year. Two of them, namely Sahrdiya Navaratri and Chaitra Navaratri are celebrated more enthusiastically as they also mark the beginnings of seasons.

This year, Navratri will go on from September 26 to October 5.