The city witnessed massive crowds on Tuesday as thousands of devotees thronged temples and pandals on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the pious Navratri festival. Streets were jam-packed with people offering prayers, participating in special rituals and seeking blessings of Goddess Durga. Long queues were seen outside major temples while several areas remained choked with traffic due to the heavy footfall of devotees.

 

Cultural programmes, bhajans and community feasts added to the festive spirit, with markets around religious places bustling with activity. Police and civic authorities were deployed in large numbers to manage the rush and ensure smooth movement. Despite the heavy turnout, the atmosphere remained devotional and celebratory, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted cultural traditions during Navratri.