Varanasi/Prayagraj,

30 March (HS): Chaitra Navratri is widely celebrated in Uttar Pradesh. Major temples, such as Kashi Vishwanath and

Alop Shankari Devi Shakti Peeth, hold unique rituals and prayers, attracting a

large number of pilgrims eager to participate in the auspicious festival’s kickoff. Aarti and traditional chants fill the air,

representing togetherness and development among cultural and religious

celebrations. The pious Mangala Aarti

was conducted at Varanasi’s famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The venerated Jyotirlinga was anointed with

Gangajal, gathered in ‘Nav Kalash,’ sent from the Mata Vishalakshi Shaktipeeth

in Kashi, providing a special spiritual importance to the proceedings. The first day witnessed a high turnout of

devotees seeking blessings at the Ashtabhuji Mata Mandir, while Prayagraj’s

Alop Shankari Devi Shakti Peeth Mandir also drew considerable audiences.

Rituals

included chanting and devotional music, as well as Aarti rites at Dashaswamedh

Ghat, which captured the essence of devotion and communal solidarity. The event also included participation from a

variety of groups, which emphasized cultural unity and growth.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi