The 9-day long festival of Navratra, which marks the worship of Goddess Durga, began today with religious fervor and gaiety. Devotees thronged temples from early this morning to offer their prayers to the Goddess. On the first day of Navaratri, Devi Durga is worshipped as Shailaputri.

In the national capital, devotees visited Kalkaji, Jhandewalan and other temples to offer prayers.