Maharashtra devotees flock to temples and peaks for Navratri

Navratri celebrations are drawing large crowds of devotees to various religious sites across Maharashtra. In Safale, the Kurlai Devi temple has seen a significant influx of worshippers from regions including Mumbai, Thane, Vasai, Virar, Boisar, Palghar, and Badlapur.

The Kurlai Devi temple, managed by the Shri Gramdevi Kulai Trust, features a silver idol for the festival. The celebrations include traditional Garba dance, bhajans, and cultural programs. Local legends suggest the deity was relocated to Safale from Sartodi prior to 1950 following a divine vision.

Simultaneously, devotees are trekking to Kalasubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra, located on the border of Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts. Situated at an altitude of 5,400 feet, the peak attracts many pilgrims, including a notable number of women, who navigate rugged paths to reach the summit for Navratri festivities. Local folklore attributes the name of the peak to Kalasu, a girl adopted by the Shinde family of Bari village.