Varanasi: Thousands of pilgrims thronged temples across the region on the first day of Chaitra Navratri, with heavy footfall reported at Vindhyachal Temple in Mirzapur and major Durga shrines in Varanasi. Devotion marked the beginning of the nine-day festival, which also coincided with celebrations of Nav Samvatsar, the Hindu New Year.At Vindhyachal, devotees began assembling hours before the temple doors opened at midnight. By the time darshan commenced, thousands had already queued up across designated areas in and around the Vindhya corridor. The crowd continued to swell throughout the day as pilgrims arrived from different parts of the country. The continuous recitation of Durga Saptashati created a deeply spiritual atmosphere across the temple premises. Pilgrims visiting Vindhyachal also proceeded to the nearby Ashtabhuja and Kali Khoh temples, completing the traditional ‘Vindhya triangle’ pilgrimage circuit. Authorities made elaborate arrangements to manage the surge, including deployment of heavy police force and extensive surveillance.Mirzapur SP Aparna Rajat Kaushik said that the entire fair area was kept under continuous watch through drone cameras and CCTV systems. Security arrangements were also strengthened at ghats along the Ganga, roads used by devotees, bus stations, railway stations, parking zones and ropeway facilities connecting key temples.In Varanasi, a similar festive fervour was witnessed as roads leading to prominent Durga temples remained crowded from early morning. Devotees queued up in large numbers at Mukhnirmalika Gauri, Shailputri and Durgakund temples. The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Mukhnirmalika Gauri, drawing special significance among worshippers. A notable ritual saw priests from Kashi Vishwanath Temple offering traditional Shringar items such as sarees, bangles and other adornments to the deity. Temple CEO Vishwa Bhushan Mishra said these offerings were also presented at the Shaktipeeth of Goddess Vishalakshi.Apart from these, large congregations were reported at other temples including Kamakhya, reflecting the widespread observance of the festival across the city.Marking Nav Samvatsar, special religious events were organised at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where Gangotri Seva Samiti and Namami Gange conducted Mahayajna, Maha Aarti and Vedic rituals for world peace, prosperity and environmental conservation. Priests and scholars also performed Aarti of Lord Surya and the Ganga, drawing participation from a large number of devotees.Authorities said crowd management and security arrangements would remain in place throughout the Navratri period to ensure smooth and safe darshan for pilgrims.
