DEVOTEES throng the shrine for rituals and aarti, seeking blessings of Goddess Durga The Navratri festival began with religious fervour and devotion at Bhawani Temple in Bhawani Chowk, located in the old city of Bhopal. Devotees started arriving at the temple early in the morning to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. The celebrations began with the ritualistic abhishek of the deity, followed by aarti performed according to religious traditions. The temple premises resonated with chants of ‘Jai Mata Di’ as devotees gathered to participate in the prayers. Many devotees offered flowers to the goddess and prayed for the happiness, prosperity and good health of their families.

 

Several worshippers also observed fasts and pledged to continue their religious practices throughout the nine-day festival. A steady stream of visitors was seen at the temple from the morning, reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding the beginning of Navratri. Devotional songs, prayers and chants created a spiritual atmosphere in the shrine and its surrounding area. Navratri is celebrated with deep devotion across the country and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her various forms. The festival symbolises faith, strength and the triumph of good over evil. With the commencement of the festivities, Bhawani Temple has become a focal point of religious activity in the old city, as devotees continue to visit the shrine to offer prayers and seek divine blessings.