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Chaitra Navratri 2024: Devotees Throng Temples, President Murmu Visits Ayodhya

Devotees gathered in large numbers at prominent temples across India, including in Delhi, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand, to offer prayers on the second day of Chaitra Navratri. The nine-day festival, dedicated to Goddess Durga, marks the beginning of the Hindu new year and involves fasting, rituals, and worship of the goddess's nine forms. On the first day of the festival, President Droupadi Murmu visited the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, performing darshan and aarti. She described her visit as a "supreme privilege" and highlighted the historical significance of the temple's milestones.

Key Points: Chaitra Navratri 2024: Prayers, Celebrations, and President's Ayodhya Visit

  • Devotees gather at major temples nationwide
  • Festival marks Hindu New Year & honors Goddess Durga
  • President Murmu visits Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya
  • She performed rituals on the first day of Navratri
  • Festival concludes with Ram Navami celebrations
2 min read

Devotees offers prayers across India on the second day of Chaitra Navratri

Devotees gather across India for Chaitra Navratri prayers. President Droupadi Murmu visits Ayodhya's Ram Temple, calling it a "supreme privilege."

"It was her supreme privilege to touch the sacred dust of Ayodhya - President Droupadi Murmu"

New Delhi, March 20

Devotees on Friday gathered in large numbers at prominent temples, including the Jhandewalan and Chhatarpur temples in Delhi and the Ambaji Mata Temple in Gujarat, to offer prayers on the second day of Chaitra Navratri.

The air resonated with the sound of bells and hymns as Aarti was performed on the second day of the nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Devotees also offered prayers at the Maya Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

"We feel very peaceful here. Devotees come here from across India. We feel very delighted," a devotee said.

Another devotee, who offered the prayer at Maya Devi temple, said, "I extend greetings to everyone on the occasion of Navratri. This is a beautiful sight. I wish the goddess would bless everyone."

Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu new year and is one of the most significant festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga. Over nine days, devotees worship the nine forms of the goddess, observe fasts, and perform rituals seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being.

On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, President Droupadi Murmu visited Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. She performed darshan and aarti at various places within the temple complex and conducted the Shri Ram Yantra Sthapana and Pujan.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said it was her supreme privilege to touch the sacred dust of Ayodhya, the city where Prabhu Shri Ram was born. She described it as a truly blessed occasion to be present on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, marking the commencement of Samvatsar 2083 and the first day of Navratri.

The President said that the dates marking the Bhoomi Pujan of this supremely sacred Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, the Pran Pratishtha of the divine idol of Ram Lalla here, the opening of the Ram Darbar for devotees, and the hoisting of the religious flag atop the temple's spire are golden in our history and culture.

Chaitra Navratri concludes with Ram Navami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Ram. Temples witness heavy footfall, and special prayers, jagrans, and cultural programs are organised across the nation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the spiritual significance is paramount, I do wish the reportage focused a bit more on the local community celebrations and the volunteers who manage these huge crowds, not just the political dignitaries. The real spirit of Navratri is in the common devotee's faith.
A
Aman W
The connection between Chaitra Navratri and the Hindu New Year is something that fills me with hope. It's a time for new beginnings, cleansing, and seeking Maa Durga's strength. Planning to visit the temple tomorrow for the third day, dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Delhi, the devotion during this time is palpable. The traffic near major temples is chaotic, yes, but seeing so many people, young and old, dressed in traditional clothes and carrying offerings is a beautiful sight. It's the heart of India's cultural fabric.
V
Vikram M
The President's visit to Ayodhya on the first day is a powerful symbolic gesture. This Navratri feels especially significant, culminating in Ram Navami. The article rightly calls these dates golden in our history. Feeling blessed to witness this era. 🚩
K
Kavya N
My family is observing the fast. It's not just about abstaining from food; it's a discipline for the mind. Articles like this are nice, but the true experience is in the quiet prayers at home and the community bhajans in the evening. Shubh Navratri to all!

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