Chaitra Navratri: Devotees throng temples across India
People offering prayers across the country.
On the first day of Chaitra Navratri on Saturday, devotees thronged temples across India. This year, Chaitra Navratri is being observed from April 6 to 14. It is also celebrated as new year by Hindus or Hindu Nav Varsh.
Kalkaji temple and Jhandewalan temple were decked up in flowers as people gathered to attend the first 'Aarti' of the nine-day-long festivities.
Nine 'avatars' or incarnations of Goddess Durga, namely Shailputri, Chandraghata, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidaatri, are worshipped during Chaitra Navratri - one on each day.
The festival culminates on April 14 with Rama Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama. During these nine days, devotees observe fasts and perform pujas. Flowers, fruits and other offerings are made to the deity by devotees as they seek peace and prosperity in the year that follows.