Ayodhya witnesses massive devotee turnout on first day of Chaitra Navratri

With elaborate security arrangements in place, thousands of devotees thronged the historic temples of Ayodhya to offer prayers on the first day of Chaitra Navratri.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

From the early hours of the morning, long queues of worshippers were seen at various temples, seeking the blessings of Goddess Shailputri. Major temples, including Badi Devkali, the Kuldevi (family deity) of Lord Ram, and Chhoti Devkali, the Kuldevi of Goddess Sita, witnessed an overwhelming influx of devotees eager for darshan.

Chants of 'Jai Mata Di' echoed throughout the sacred city as devotees commenced the nine-day festival by performing 'Kalash Sthapana' in their homes, marking the arrival of the Goddess. By dawn, temple premises were abuzz with activity as crowds gathered, filling the atmosphere with devotional songs and Vedic chants.