Navratri begin with religious fervor in Jammu, Markets abuzz with festive spirit

Jammu: The nine-day-long festival of Navratri, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, began today with immense religious fervor across Jammu. Markets in the city were decked up with colorful decorations, as shoppers flooded stalls to buy essential puja items, flowers, and decorative materials.
The festival, which commenced on Thursday, will continue until October 12, drawing thousands of devotees to temples and shrines to mark the occasion.
Reports said that in Jammu, the famous Mata Kali temple, popularly known as Bawe Wali Mata, located at Bahu Fort, saw long queues of devotees since the early hours of the day. “Hundreds of devotees, from young children to elderly pilgrims, lined up before dawn to pay their respects to the goddess. Amid chants of “Jai Mata Di,” devotees offered prayers, seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being,” “I have been visiting Bawe Wali Mata temple for Navratri every year, and the energy and devotion are indescribable. This year, the atmosphere feels even more vibrant as the restrictions are lighter, and more people are participating,” said Meena Devi, a devotee from Gandhi Nagar.
As the festival got underway, the Bhawan at Mata Vaishno Devi in the Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district witnessed a huge influx of pilgrims.
With the multi-tier security arrangements in place, over 45,000 devotees are expected to undertake the pilgrimage daily to pay obeisance at the cave shrine during the nine-day Shardiya Navratri festival. “The Navratri festival is the most significant time of the year for us,” said Pankaj Sharma, a shopkeeper in the crowded Raghunath Bazaar, Jammu. “People are purchasing items for the puja, like flowers, sweets, and earthen lamps. The market is buzzing with activity, and we’re expecting more customers as the festival progresses.” At the Vaishno Devi Bhawan, the traditional rituals and prayers marked the onset of the festival. Many pilgrims, undeterred by long distances and the challenging trek, expressed their excitement for completing the journey to seek blessings from Mata Vaishno Devi. “This pilgrimage means the world to me. It’s a way to feel connected to Mata Rani and ask for her protection and blessings. I am glad I could come this year,” Sunil Kumar, a pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh, who was visiting the shrine with his family said. The entire Jammu is wrapped in festive spirit as houses and temples are adorned with flowers and lights, while the sounds of conch shells, bells, and devotional songs echo in the air. People are observing fasts and offering prayers to the goddess during these auspicious nine days, with special significance attached to each day representing the different avatars of Goddess Durga.
Authorities have ensured stringent security measures across the region, especially around major temples and pilgrimage routes. Additional personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other security agencies have been deployed to manage the large crowds and ensure safety. “We have made sure that all security arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the festival. Our teams are stationed at key points to assist devotees and ensure their safety throughout the celebrations,” said a senior police official from Jammu. The Navratri celebrations, known for their devotion, fasting, and prayers, also bring families and communities together, reinforcing the cultural and religious fabric of the region.