Nagpur: The Sharadiya Navratri festival began on Sunday, October 11, at the Shri Mahalakshmi Jagdamba Mata Temple in Koradi, near Nagpur, amid religious fervour and enthusiastic participation by devotees. Thousands of devotees began arriving at the temple from 4 am to seek the blessings of Goddess Jagdamba. The temple premises echoed with chants of “Jai Mata Di” as the celebrations commenced with traditional rituals and the lighting of 7,500 sacred lamps in ghats (ritual pots).
Devotees from Nagpur and various districts of Vidarbha visited the temple on the first day of the festival. Long queues formed early in the morning, with visitors seeking darshan of the goddess in her Swayambhu (self-manifested) form as well as her fully adorned ceremonial appearance.
Chandrashekhar Bawankule Performs Special Prayers
Maharashtra Revenue Minister and Guardian Minister of Nagpur and Amravati districts, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, visited the temple and offered prayers to Goddess Jagdamba. He performed the prescribed rituals and ceremonially lit a sacred lamp as part of the Navratri inauguration.
Bawankule prayed for the happiness, prosperity and good health of all citizens. He expressed hope that every family would experience peace and contentment and that farmers, workers, women, young people and all sections of society would receive new opportunities for progress.
He also prayed for the goddess’s blessings to give people renewed energy, confidence and the strength to overcome challenges. Jyotitai Bawankule and his son Sanket Bawankule were also present on the occasion.
Free Meals and Special Darshan Arrangements for Devotees
The temple administration has made several arrangements to accommodate the large number of devotees expected during the festival. A free meal facility has been set up at the rear of the temple premises to provide food to visitors, particularly those travelling from distant locations.
Special darshan arrangements have also been introduced for senior citizens and persons with disabilities to make their visit more convenient. The administration is working to ensure smooth movement of devotees and minimise difficulties during peak visiting hours.
Police, Temple Administration Coordinate Crowd Management
The temple administration, police personnel and volunteers have put arrangements in place to regulate crowds, manage queues and maintain peace and order throughout the festival.
The strong turnout on the opening day, combined with the illumination of 7,500 sacred lamps and continuous devotional chants, created a vibrant spiritual atmosphere in Koradi.
The Navratri celebrations are expected to draw lakhs of devotees over the coming days. The festival honours the divine feminine and continues a longstanding tradition of worship, faith and community participation at the Shri Mahalakshmi Jagdamba Mata Temple.
