Chaitra Navratri Begins with Devotion and Aarti at Delhi’s Jhandewalan Temple

Devotees throng temple to worship Goddess Shailputri on Day 1; Akashvani to stream special Navratri programs and bhajans

New Delhi, March 30: Chaitra Navratri celebrations began with spiritual fervor and early morning aarti at the iconic Jhandewalan Temple, where devotees offered prayers to Goddess Durga in her form as Mata Shailputri—the first of the nine avatars of Navdurga.

Neetu, a devotee who attended the morning ritual, shared, “We came here at 4 am for the aarti and had a beautiful darshan. May the goddess bless everyone.”

Temple priest Ambika Prasad Pant explained, “On the first day of Chaitra Navratri, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. She represents nature, purity, and strength.”

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Temple Ready for Devotees

Jhandewalan Temple Trustee Ravindra Goel extended warm wishes for Navratri and the Hindu New Year, stating that ample preparations had been made for smooth darshan, as the temple expects a huge footfall during the festival.

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Spiritual Programming & Bhajan Lineup

Adding a devotional rhythm to the festival, Akashvani’s Aradhana YouTube Channel is airing a special Navratri series from March 30 to April 6. The lineup includes:

• Shakti Aradhana: Daily devotional segment from 8:30 AM to 8:40 AM
• Devi Maa Ke Anek Swaroop: Narrating divine tales from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM
• Navratri Bhajans: Featuring legendary singers like Anup Jalota, Jagjit Singh, Narinder Chanchal, Hari Om Sharan, and more from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Shakti Peeth Specials: Exploring sacred temples dedicated to Goddess Durga across India

The celebrations will culminate in a live broadcast of Ram Janmotsav from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya on April 6, from 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM.

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About Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri, also known as Ram Navratri, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is one of the two most widely celebrated Navratris, the other being Shardiya Navratri before Diwali. The festival honors the nine forms of Goddess Durga, representing power, wisdom, and compassion. It ends with the celebration of Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Ram.

Devotees across India observe fasts, perform pujas, and seek blessings during these auspicious nine days, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the inner journey from ignorance to enlightenment.