Devotees gather at major Hindu temples for Navratri festival

Large crowds of devotees gathered at prominent religious sites in India to mark the first day of the Shardiya Navratri festival. At Vindhyachal Dham in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, approximately 300,000 pilgrims had visited the Maa Vindhyavasini temple by mid-morning. Local authorities reported increased attendance compared to previous years, with measures in place including cleaning services, drinking water, and shade for the crowds.

In Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, significant crowds also arrived at the Mata Tekri temple. While the atmosphere remained celebratory, reports emerged of administrative lapses regarding medical services. Families expressed frustration when a designated medical camp was found to be unmanned by doctors or healthcare workers during a period when several children experienced discomfort. Local officials have stated they will investigate why the health department team failed to arrive despite prior instructions.