**Indore Welcomes Goddess Durga on the First Day of Navratri with Grand Celebrations**

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 feet tall.

Prominent temples, including Bijasan, Annapurna, Harsiddhi, and Kalka Dham, witnessed long queues of devotees from morning till night. Fairs and cultural stages organised by several organisations engaged citizens throughout the day. Garba performances by individuals, duos, and groups mesmerised onlookers with rhythmic steps and vibrant attire.

Processions were particularly observed near Jail Road, Janjeerwala Square, Chaawani, Rajmohalla, and Rambagh. Devotees escorted the Goddess to pandals amidst chants and festive fervor, creating a lively and spiritual atmosphere.

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 for Women’s Safety**

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 in Palasia before deploying 13 vehicles manned by both 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 such as Garba, bhajan evenings, kanya pujan, and bhandaras.

The teams will remain alert against harassment, substance abuse, suspicious activities, and any other anti-social behaviour, ensuring swift action under the law. This initiative aims to create a safe environment for women and curb crimes during the festive period, allowing everyone to celebrate Navratri with peace of mind.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/streets-come-alive-as-indore-welcomes-goddess-durga