Overview

• Large turnouts were reported at major shrines including Delhi’s Jhandewalan and Kalkaji, Varanasi’s Shailputri temple, Haridwar’s Mansa Devi, Katra’s Vaishno Devi and Bilaspur’s Naina Devi, with security and crowd controls in place.
• Mumbai’s Mumbadevi and Mahalaxmi temples opened before dawn for ghatasthapana and first-day puja, set extended darshan hours and special rituals, and announced heightened security for the Navratri period.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge shared Navratri greetings, with Modi posting a rendition of ‘Ya Devi Sarv Bhuteshu’ and calling for renewed strength and faith.
• The first day is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, and media carried practical guides including day‑wise bhog offerings for the nine forms of Durga and aartis for devotees.
• Outlets reiterated the Drik Panchang schedule culminating on Vijayadashami on October 2, while noting this year’s observance effectively spans ten days due to calendar alignment.