Streets Come Alive As Indore Welcomes Goddess Durga

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): On the first day of Navratri, the city warmly welcomed Goddess Durga, marking the beginning of the nine-day festival celebrated with devotion and grandeur.

Long processions featuring beautifully adorned idols and girls performing Garba in colourful costumes drew the attention of devotees.

Streets echoed with the beats of dhol and tasha as participants danced their way toward the pandals. Many devotees followed a dress code of yellow, red and green, adding to the festive spirit.

Women decorated home temples to welcome the Goddess. Around 2,500 pandals across the city displayed glittering lights, colourful tents and majestic stages, some featuring idols over 20 ft tall.

Prominent temples, including Bijasan, Annapurna, Harsiddhi and Kalka Dham witnessed long queues of devotees from morning till night.

Fairs and cultural stages were organised by several organisations to engage citizens. Garba performances by individuals, duos and groups mesmerised onlookers with rhythmic steps and attire.

Processions were particularly observed near Jail Road, Janjeerwala Square, Chaawani, Rajmohalla and Rambagh, with devotees escorting the Goddess to pandals amidst chants and festive fervor. The city’s first day of Navratri set a vibrant tone, promising nine days of celebration, devotion and cultural zeal.

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Shakti mobile teams to patrol near Garba pandals

To ensure women’s safety during Navratri, the city police have deployed Shakti mobile teams for continuous patrolling at Garba pandals and other religious venues.

Commissioner of police Santosh Kumar Singh briefed the teams on Monday at the commissioner’s office, Palasia, before deploying 13 vehicles manned by male and female officers.

Each team, led by a woman sub-inspector or assistant sub-inspector with supporting personnel, will patrol near venues of religious events like Garba, bhajan evenings, kanya pujan, and bhandaras.

The teams will be on the alert against harassment, substance abuse, suspicious activity and any other anti-social behaviour, ensuring swift action under the law.

The initiative aims to create a safe environment for women and curb crimes during the festive period.