PM Modi wishes nation on the first day of Navratri

नवरात्रि की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। My greetings to everyone as the auspicious Navratri commences.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2016

The nine-day long Navratri begins today. However, this year the festival will be celebrated for 10 days. It will culminate on 11 October with Dussehra celebrations.

Meanwhile, Navratri celebrations began in Gujarat. The state government has organised vibrant Gujarat Navratri Mahotsav, a garba festival at GMDC Ground in Ahmedabad.

Thousands of devotees are reaching the temples of Ashapura Mata at Mata na Madh in Kutch, Ambaji Mata temple in North Gujarat and Bahuchraji Mata Temple in Central Gujarat.

Garba and Dandiya groups have also been organised during Navratri.

Chief Minnister Vijay Rupani will inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Navratri Mahotsav at Ahmedabad this evening.

Navratri is known for its ancient, traditional and modern garba and dandiya in Gujarat.

In Himachal Pradesh, devotees are thronging historical temples since this morning, the first day of Ashwin or Sharad Navratras.

The district administrations, especially in three districts of Kangra, Bilaspur and Una, have made elaborate arrangements to facilitate devotees.

-ANI