New Delhi, October 11, 2026

The beginning of Shardiya Navratri brought a wave of religious fervour to Delhi, as thousands of devotees visited the historic Chhatarpur Temple to seek blessings and offer prayers. Also known as Shri Aadya Katyayani Shakti Peeth, the renowned temple in South Delhi witnessed a steady influx of pilgrims from the early morning hours. Spread across approximately 70 acres, the marble temple complex was decorated with colourful flowers and illuminated with elaborate lighting, creating a festive atmosphere for the nine-day celebration.

Devotees gathered in long queues to participate in the morning Aarti and Shringar ceremonies dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, the temple’s presiding deity. The goddess was adorned with traditional festive clothing and intricate jewellery for the occasion. One of the key attractions during Navratri is the opening of the main sanctum, which houses the gold-polished idol of Goddess Katyayani and generally remains inaccessible to the public for most of the year. This special occasion draws a significant number of devotees seeking the goddess’s blessings.

With large numbers of pilgrims arriving at the temple, the management trust implemented several measures to maintain security and ensure the orderly movement of visitors. Barricades were installed, volunteers were assigned crowd-management duties, and CCTV cameras were used for continuous monitoring. Facilities such as shoe-storage counters, designated parking areas, Prasadam distribution and free langar meals were also arranged to make the visit more convenient for devotees, including those observing Navratri fasts.

Chhatarpur Temple is among Delhi’s major destinations for Navratri celebrations, alongside prominent shrines such as Jhandewalan Temple and Kalkaji Temple. The first day of the festival is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, marking the beginning of nine days of worship and spiritual observance. As celebrations continue across the capital, devotees are expected to visit temples in large numbers in the coming days, with the festivities reaching their culmination on Maha Navami and Dussehra.