Chaiti Durga puja begins with kalash sthapna

Ranchi: Chaiti Durga Puja celebrations commenced on Sunday with the kalash sthapna ceremony, marking the start of the nine-day festivities. Devotees across the city performed the ritual in their homes and temples amid Vedic chants, the blowing of conch shells, and drumbeats, creating a spiritual atmosphere.The Chaitra Navratri celebrations are marked by elaborate puja ceremonies, cultural programmes, and traditional delicacies. The priest stated that the ideal time for kalash sthapna was from 6 am to 10 am and then from 12 noon to 1 pm. Emphasising the significance of auspicious timing, Akhilesh Dwivedi, a priest at Giri Anchal Hanuman Mandir, Chunna Bhatta, stated, "Shubh Muhurat holds great importance in puja celebrations. We advise devotees to follow the designated Muhurat during any worship to receive the divine blessings of the Goddess."Local resident Anjali Mishra stated, "Chaiti Durga Puja is a time of devotion and positivity. The energy during the kalash sthapna fills our homes with divine blessings. With prayers for peace and prosperity, we look forward to the coming days of worship and celebration."Mala Pandey, another devotee who is fasting for Navaratri, said, "The kalash sthapna is conducted at home to symbolise the presence of Devi Durga. On this occasion, the akhand jyoti and kalash are installed as a gesture of devotion, inviting the Goddess into the household for blessings and protection."