Mathura/Varanasi, March 19 Devotees flocked to temples across Uttar Pradesh on Thursday as Chaitra Navratri began, with long queues observed outside major shrines in Mathura and Varanasi.
In Mathura, worshippers offered flowers, coconuts, and chunari at Devi temples. The festival will conclude on March 27 with Ram Navami.
Rituals commenced with 'kalash sthapana' and 'Mahabhishek', while kirtans, special prayers, and offerings will be held throughout the nine days. At some temples, celebrations will begin a day later due to Amavasya.
The Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan said the Navah Parayan Path and the Shatchandi Path will be organised daily till Ram Navami.
In Varanasi, heavy footfall was seen at temples from early morning, with devotees offering prayers to various forms of Goddess Gauri.
Police said elaborate security arrangements, including drone surveillance and deployment of personnel, have been put in place to manage the crowds.