With robust security measures in place, thousands of devotees gathered at the historic temples of Ayodhya to offer their prayers on the inaugural day of Chaitra Navratri.
From the early morning hours, long lines of worshippers formed at various temples, seeking the blessings of Goddess Shailputri. Major temples, such as Badi Devkali, the family deity of Lord Ram, and Chhoti Devkali, the Kuldevi of Goddess Sita, experienced an overwhelming influx of devotees eager for darshan.

Chants of ‘Jai Mata Di’ resounded across the sacred city as attendees commenced the nine-day festival by performing ‘Kalash Sthapana’ in their homes, symbolizing the arrival of the Goddess. By dawn, the temple premises buzzed with energy, filled with devotional songs and Vedic chants.

At Badi Devkali Temple, devotees waited for hours to receive blessings from Lord Ram’s Kuldevi, while the admiration for Goddess Sita’s Kuldevi was evident in the large turnout at Chhoti Devkali Temple. Worshippers presented flowers, ‘prasad,’ and heartfelt prayers at the feet of the Goddess, demonstrating their unwavering faith. Many devotees chose to fast on the first day and performed special rituals to honor the occasion.

The temples in Ayodhya were adorned with flowers and vibrant lights. On the auspicious occasion of Nav Samvatsar 2082 (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada), devotees offered ‘Arghya’ to the rising sun in the sacred Sarayu River, praying for peace and prosperity in Ayodhya. Warm greetings were exchanged in celebration of the new Hindu year.

After paying their respects at the Devi temples, devotees flocked to Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi, where crowds continued to grow late into the night. Being a Sunday, Janmabhoomi Path was bustling with worshippers, and by the evening, significant locations like Lata Chowk and Ram Ki Paidi were also packed.

In anticipation of both Navratri and the forthcoming Ram Navami celebrations, the administration has put extensive security and crowd management measures into place. A strong police presence, including a special contingent of female officers, has been deployed to ensure the safety and comfort of female devotees. Barricades and queue management systems have been established to effectively regulate the crowds.

The festive spirit was also palpable at other key temples, including Mata Mari Temple at Guptar Ghat, Pateshwari Mata Temple in Cantt, and Sheetla Mata Temple near Makbara, where worshippers continued to offer prayers well into the evening.

The local administration has ensured cleanliness, drinking water, and essential amenities at the temples. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to take all necessary steps to provide a seamless experience for devotees during Navratri and Ram Navami, asserting that no visitor should face inconvenience.

This year’s Ram Navami marks the first celebration at the newly constructed Ram Temple, driving excitement among devotees to unprecedented levels. Officials expect a record number of visitors compared to previous years. Local residents believe that the unique overlap of Navratri and Ram Navami carries profound spiritual significance for Ayodhya.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajkaran Nayyar confirmed that comprehensive security arrangements have been implemented in and around the temples. An immense surge in devotees is anticipated on Ram Navami, and the administration is committed to ensuring a smooth, organized darshan experience for all while upholding strict security protocols.