Sharadiya Navratri Kicks Off with Grand Celebrations in Maharashtra
The nine-day Sharadiya Navratri festival has commenced with vibrant rituals and large gatherings at major goddess temples across Maharashtra.
Navratri festivities began today at key temples in Maharashtra, including Kolhapur and Mahur.
Special rituals and processions are being held, with significant participation from devotees.
The festival will continue until October 20, with various religious activities planned.
The vibrant celebrations of Sharadiya Navratri commenced today across Maharashtra, drawing large crowds to prominent goddess temples such as those in Kolhapur, Mahur, Tuljapur, and Vani. Devotees gathered in significant numbers to partake in special prayers, traditional processions, and various religious ceremonies that mark the beginning of this nine-day festival.
At the Shri Mahalaxmi Temple in Kolhapur, also known as Ambabai Temple, village mandals participated in musical processions to collect sacred flames, referred to as jyots, which they will take back to their homes. This year, the goddess will be worshipped in ten distinct forms, including Skandamata and Mahishasuramardini. The temple authorities have made extensive arrangements to accommodate the influx of devotees expected during the festival, which will last until October 20.
In Mahur, located in Nanded district, the Shri Renuka Mata Temple held the traditional Ghatasthapana ceremony at 12:30 PM, followed by rituals such as abhishek and Kumarika Pujan. The temple has been beautifully adorned with flowers, and various religious programs have been organized to enhance the festive atmosphere.
The celebrations at the Shri Tuljabhavani Temple in Tuljapur, situated in Dharashiv district, featured a traditional procession where devotees carried water-filled earthen pots from Kallol Tirtha. The air was filled with chants of “Aai Bhavani cha Udo Udo,” accompanied by the sounds of traditional instruments like sambal and tutari, creating a lively ambiance.
Approximately 75,000 devotees visited the Shri Kshetra Saptashrungi Gad near Vani in Nashik district. Pilgrims began their journey from Nanduri village as early as 4 AM to reach the hilltop shrine. Special rituals honoring the goddess’s gold and silver ornaments were performed at 6 AM, followed by a ceremonial procession and the Ghatasthapana ritual, officially commencing the Navratri festivities at this revered site. Devotees from Maharashtra and neighboring states, including Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, are expected to continue visiting these shrines throughout the festival and until Kojagiri Purnima.
