Nagpur: Goddess Durga, a symbol of strength and prosperity, praying and adoring her holds a special importance in Indian culture. Next nine days will be celebrated as Navratri. It is believed that the goddess of power creates the pure environment in universe by demolishing all the destructive and ill powers around. Hence prayers are offered in joyful manner by devotees.
Even the environment in market is quite cheerful. On the first day devotees from public Durga celebration groups, various temples and even in households started the festival celebrations with Ghatsthapna.
Markets are flourishing
Navaratri festival has transformed the environment in city, The markets were crowded on Monday as devotees rushed to shops to buy various items for Durga puja. Even Tuesday was quite busy for shopkeepers in Sakkardara square, Mahal, Gokulpeth, Wardhman Nagar, Dharampeth, Itwari. The flower markets in city specially Dhantoli market has seen many people who came out to buy the flowers and garlands for the festival.
Ghatsthapna at households
The festival of Navratri comes at a time of year when rainy season is about to end and the whole surrounding is quite greenish. The crops in farms are ready or on the verge of being ready. Hence, the goddess is also known as goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The farmers can celebrate the festival as he starts to earn through his crops around this time of the year. The ritual of keeping a lamp lighting continuously for nine days also began by the start of Navratri.