New Delhi [India]: The nine-day-long Chaitra Navratri festival commenced on Sunday, with morning aarti performed at temples across the national capital. On the first day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Durga in the form of Mata Shailputri.
Visuals from Shri Aadya Katyayani Shaktipith Mandir showed a large gathering of worshippers offering prayers and seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga.
Navratri, derived from the Sanskrit term meaning ‘nine nights,’ is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, collectively known as Navdurga.
Hindus observe four Navratris throughout the year, but Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri are the most widely celebrated, as they align with seasonal transitions. Across India, the festival is observed with diverse traditions and customs.
Also referred to as Ram Navratri, the festival concludes on Ram Navami, which commemorates the birth of Lord Ram. Throughout these nine days, devotees honor the various incarnations of Goddess Shakti with rituals, fasting, and prayers.
The festival is marked by immense devotion across the country, with people participating in religious ceremonies and spiritual practices dedicated to the goddess.
Special Navratri Programs on Akashvani’s Aradhana YouTube Channel
To enhance the spiritual experience, Akashvani’s Aradhana YouTube Channel will feature a series of special programs from March 30 to April 6.
“To commemorate each day’s significance, the channel will feature a specially curated series from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Additionally, Shakti Aradhana will be broadcast daily from 8:30 AM to 8:40 AM, bringing divine renditions to the audience,” stated a release from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
A key highlight of the celebrations will be Navratri Bhajans performed by legendary artists, including Anup Jalota, Narinder Chanchal, Jagjit Singh, Hari Om Sharan, Mahendra Kapoor, and Anuradha Paudwal. These devotional songs will be aired daily from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
“Devi Maa Ke Anek Swaroop, a unique series narrating inspiring stories on Navratri, will be broadcast daily from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM. The channel will also present special features on various Shakti Peeths across the country, providing listeners with deeper insights into the sacred sites dedicated to Goddess Durga,” the release further added.
Grand Finale: Live Ram Janmotsav Broadcast from Ayodhya
The Navratri celebrations will conclude with a grand live broadcast of Ram Janmotsav from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. This special event will be aired on April 6 from 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM, allowing devotees across the nation to witness the divine celebrations.