New Delhi/J&K,Sept 26 (ANI): Devotees across India thronged the
temples on the first day of Navratri when Hindus worship mother
goddess Durga in all her manifestations. Navratri, derived from
the ancient Sanskrit words 'nine nights', falls this year from
September 25 to October 03. People stood in queues early morning
on Thursday as they visited temples to seek the blessings of
mother goddess Durga. Devotees celebrate the festival with
religious fervour as they pray before the idol of the goddess,
sing religious songs and perform aarti while observing fast.
During one of the biggest Hindu festival celebrated across India
in different forms and names, temples are beautifully decorated
with flowers, leaves, petals, lights and the priests ornate idols
of goddess Durga with new clothes and jewellery. Meanwhile, a
priest at a temple in New Delhi said on the first day of the
festival the goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of
Shailputri or daughter of king of mountains. It is believed that
during Navratri, the goddess Durga descends on earth to rid it of
demons and bless her devotees with happiness and prosperity. A
devotee in Jammu Rajini Sharma, said that she prays for good
health and strength from the goddess. Another pilgrim in Bhopal,
Manoj Kumar, said they
