Chaitra Navratri 2017: Special prayers held as devotees throng temples across the country

The Chaitra Navratri festival is being celebrated with full devotion and enthusiasm in India.

Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Authorities in Una, Bilaspur and Kangra Districts of Himachal Pradesh have made elaborate arrangements for pilgrims coming from different parts of the country. 
Special religious programmes are underway in the temples.  This hill state has five historical Shaktipeeths of Godess Durga named Chintpurni, Naina Devi, Jawalamukhi, Bajreshwari Devi and Chamunda Devi.  That's why Himachal Pradesh is also known as Dev Bhoomi. 

Devotees, in large numbers are performing Puja in these Shaktipeeths of Godess Durga since early morning.  All the temples have been decorated beautifully with colorful flowers. 

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in these temples.

Prime Minister Modi tweeted his greetings:

Warm greetings on#GudiPadwa2017 #ChaitraNavaratri #Navratri #Chetichand

Wish you all happiness & prosperity#MakeInIndia #HappyGudiPadwa pic.twitter.com/AQ21qjCBRe

— Narendra Modi (@MODIfyingBHARAT) March 28, 2017

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have joined millions in starting a nine-day fast to mark the Chaitra Navratri festival.

People all over the country thronged religious shrines and temples on the occasion. 

Lucknow: 

Devotees participate at a religious procession on eve of #Navratri festival in #Lucknow on Monday.#Navratri2017 pic.twitter.com/f517hg0BKV

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) March 27, 2017

Assam:

Assam: Devotees pay visit to Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati on the occasion of #Navratri2017 pic.twitter.com/S4zS4YJE4K

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 28, 2017

Jammu and Kashmiri: 

Huge rush of devotees seen at Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu for Navratra

Read @ANI_news storyhttps://t.co/F6yOU8mWld pic.twitter.com/jA9Rh9OXhD

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) March 28, 2017

Jammu & Kashmir: Devotees throng Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra #Navratri2017 pic.twitter.com/ed6xuLCRSA

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 28, 2017

Celebrations in Moradabad 

#Navratri2017 Devotees throng the Sri Kali Mata Temple in Moradabad pic.twitter.com/lcZ3YNjQk5

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 28, 2017

 Maharashtra: ​

WATCH #Navratri2017: Special prayers being held at Mumbai's Mumba Devi Temple pic.twitter.com/S6UBBWMR4s

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 28, 2017

#Navratri2017: Special prayers being held at Mumbai's Mumba Devi Temple pic.twitter.com/jfD8pE9GCC

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 28, 2017

Delhi: 

#Navratri2017: Special prayers being held at Delhi's Jhandewalan Temple pic.twitter.com/0Dm4AbAcvg

— ANI (@ANI_news) March 28, 2017