Navratri 2021 celebrations kick-off across the nation, 'masked' devotees visit goddess Durga temples - In Pics
The 9-day long Navratri festival commences from October 7 and will last till Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 15, this year respectively.
The nation is soaked in the spirit of Sharad Navratri festivity and Devi temples across the country have been decked up with flowers and other embellished decorations.
Devotee shows offer her Mehendi at Jhandewalan Temple on Sharad Navratri 2021
![Devotee shows offer her Mehendi at Jhandewalan Temple on Sharad Navratri 2021 Devotee shows offer her Mehendi at Jhandewalan Temple on Sharad Navratri 2021](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/10/07/977384-mata-11.jpg)
The much-revered festival of Sharad Navratri has begun today amid safety protocols against the COVID-19 pandemic. The 9-day long festival dedicated to goddess Durga celebrates 9 different forms of goddess Shakti. The festival commences from October 7 and will last till Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 15, this year respectively.
The nation is soaked in the spirit of Navratri festivity and Devi temples across the country have been decked up with flowers and other embellished decorations. Take a look at Day 1 of Sharadiya Navratri celebrations in India:
In the picture: A devotee shows her hand adorned with mehndi at the Jhandewalan temple on the first day of the 9-day long Navratri festival, in New Delhi, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary)
Huge line of bhakts at Sheetla Mata Mandir in Gurugram on Navratri
![Huge line of bhakts at Sheetla Mata Mandir in Gurugram on Navratri Huge line of bhakts at Sheetla Mata Mandir in Gurugram on Navratri](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/10/07/977383-mata-10.jpg)
Devotees pray to goddess at Durgiana Temple in Amritsar on Navratri
![Devotees pray to goddess at Durgiana Temple in Amritsar on Navratri Devotees pray to goddess at Durgiana Temple in Amritsar on Navratri](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/10/07/977382-mata-9.jpg)
Famous Jhandewalan Temple on Day 1 of Sharad Navratri 2021
![Famous Jhandewalan Temple on Day 1 of Sharad Navratri 2021 Famous Jhandewalan Temple on Day 1 of Sharad Navratri 2021](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/10/07/977381-mata-8.jpg)
Bawe Wali Mata Temple in Jammu decorated on Navratri 2021
![Bawe Wali Mata Temple in Jammu decorated on Navratri 2021 Bawe Wali Mata Temple in Jammu decorated on Navratri 2021](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/10/07/977380-mata-7.jpg)
Huge crowd visits Vindhyavasini Temple on Navratri
![Huge crowd visits Vindhyavasini Temple on Navratri Huge crowd visits Vindhyavasini Temple on Navratri](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/10/07/977379-mata-6.jpg)
Kali Mata Temple in Jammu decorated for Navratri festival
![Kali Mata Temple in Jammu decorated for Navratri festival Kali Mata Temple in Jammu decorated for Navratri festival](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/10/07/977378-mata-5.jpg)
Devotees take a holy dip in Ganges river on Day 1 of Navratri
![Devotees take a holy dip in Ganges river on Day 1 of Navratri Devotees take a holy dip in Ganges river on Day 1 of Navratri](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/10/07/977377-mata-4.jpg)
Uddhav Thakeray and family visit Goddess Temple on Sharad Navratri
![Uddhav Thakeray and family visit Goddess Temple on Sharad Navratri Uddhav Thakeray and family visit Goddess Temple on Sharad Navratri](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/10/07/977376-mata-3.jpg)
Devi puja at a Ranchi temple on Day 1 of Navratri 2021
![Devi puja at a Ranchi temple on Day 1 of Navratri 2021 Devi puja at a Ranchi temple on Day 1 of Navratri 2021](https://english.cdn.zeenews.com/sites/default/files/2021/10/07/977375-mata-2.jpg)