Sharad Navratri begins with over 62,000 devotees at Panchkula temples

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Temples receive Rs 25.10 lakh in donations as security and medical facilities are strengthened for Navratri

Panchulala:Sharad Navratri began with religious fervour across the Tricity on Sunday, as more than 62,000 devotees visited three prominent temples in Panchkula district despite persistent rain. The temples received donations worth Rs 25.10 lakh on the first day of the Ashwin Navratri fair, while festive shopping and automobile sales also gained momentum across the region.

The Shri Mata Mansa Devi Temple in Panchkula recorded the highest footfall, with around 47,000 devotees visiting the shrine to seek the blessings of Mata Rani. Shri Kali Mata Temple in Kalka received approximately 12,000 devotees, while 3,200 visited Chandi Mata Temple.

Deputy Commissioner Satpal Sharma, who is also the chief administrator of the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board, said the three temples received donations totalling Rs 25,10,085. Of this amount, devotees donated Rs 20,43,374 at Shri Mata Mansa Devi Temple, Rs 2,38,241 at Shri Kali Mata Temple in Kalka, and Rs 2,28,470 at Chandi Mata Temple. Devotees also offered four silver items at the Mansa Devi shrine.

Located in the foothills of the Shivalik range, Shri Mata Mansa Devi Temple is a prominent religious destination in Haryana and attracts devotees from across the region, particularly during Navratri. Despite continuous rainfall and around an hour-long wait, devotees continued visiting the shrine throughout the day.

Sharad Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga. The first day honours Maa Shailaputri, who symbolises strength and stability, followed by Maa Brahmacharini on the second day, representing devotion and penance. The third day is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, associated with courage and protection.

The fourth day honours Maa Kushmanda, believed to have created the universe through her divine smile, while the fifth is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, symbolising motherhood and compassion. The sixth day honours Maa Katyayani, associated with courage and the destruction of evil.

The seventh day is dedicated to Maa Kalaratri, who represents the destruction of darkness and fear. Maa Mahagauri, symbolizing purity and peace, is worshipped on the eighth day, while the ninth day honours Maa Siddhidatri, associated with wisdom and spiritual fulfilment. Devotees observe fasts, perform prayers and visit temples throughout the festival, with Ashtami and Navami holding particular significance for Kanya Pujan and other religious rituals.

To manage the large crowds during the fair, authorities deployed more than 850 police personnel across the Mansa Devi temple complex, while 200 to 300 volunteers assisted devotees. Two dispensaries and seven ambulances remained on standby, and police established 12 checkpoints to regulate traffic. Separate parking facilities were also arranged for visitors and VIPs.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the state’s first Tourist Police Post inside the temple complex. The post will operate 24/7 with 20 specially trained personnel. The control room will monitor more than 100 CCTV cameras, while tablet-based software will help police personnel communicate with visitors from other states and abroad. The facility will also enable devotees to report missing persons and lost belongings within the complex.

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Ayurveda, Panchkula, launched a 10-day free medical camp near the temple. Doctors are examining devotees, distributing medicines, and advising on seasonal ailments, including cough, cold, fever, and digestive problems.

The festive spirit extended beyond temples, with automobile dealerships and local markets reporting increased activity. Around 500 cars and more than 300 two-wheelers were reportedly delivered on the first day of Navratri as buyers chose the auspicious occasion to purchase new vehicles.

In Chandigarh, the jewellery trade expected business worth approximately Rs 20 crore during the festive period. Flower sellers and shops selling puja materials and vrat (fast) essentials also saw increased demand as families prepared for the nine-day festival.

The Navratri fair at the three temples in Panchkula district is scheduled to continue until October 20, with devotees expected to visit the shrines throughout the festival.