The sacred festival of Shardiya Navratri began on Monday, filling Odisha with spiritual energy and devotion. The nine-day celebration, dedicated to Goddess Durga, started with Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwina and will conclude with Dashami Tithi, marking Vijayadashami.
Across the state, devotees gathered at temples and community pandals to perform Ghatasthapana – the ceremonial installation of the sacred pot (ghat) that marks the formal start of Navratri rituals.
Divine Adornments in Cuttack
In Cuttack, the atmosphere was charged with festive spirit as Maa Chandi appeared in the Harachandi Besha, while the Gada Chandi deity was adorned in the resplendent Rajarajeshwari Besha. The elaborate decorations and rituals drew large numbers of devotees for darshan and offerings.
Temples also conducted special aartis, Surya Puja, Naba Shakti Puja, Mailama, Tadapa Lagi, and other traditional rites. The goddess was ceremonially bathed with holy water infused with turmeric, sandalwood, and sacred herbs before being decorated with conch shells and turmeric paste.
Significance of Day 1 – Worship of Maa Shailaputri
Day 1 of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains, representing strength and purity. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga resolved to slay Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
The priest of Gada Chandi Temple shared that over the next nine days, the goddess will be worshipped in her Nava Durga forms:
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Shailaputri
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Brahmacharini
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Chandraghanta
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Kushmanda
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Skandamata
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Katyayani
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Kalaratri
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Mahagauri
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Siddhidatri
Statewide Celebrations
Special prayers, bhajans, and cultural programmes are being organised across Odisha, with families coming together to seek blessings for prosperity and peace. Pilgrims from various districts have started thronging major shrines, turning the first day of Navratri into a truly grand and colourful affair.
