Devotees worship Goddess Shailputri on Day 1

The auspicious nine-day long Navratri festival began today and Goddess Shailputri is worshiped on the first day. During this festival, devotees observe fast in the name of the deity and sing bhajans while offering prayers to the nine avatars of the goddess of power. Navratri is celebrated to worship nine different forms of Goddess Durga - Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri. On the first day of the navratri festival, devotees offer prayers to Maa Shailputri also referred to as Goddess Partvati. By Anubha Dhillan