Shatchandi Durga Mahayagya has started at the Mahamai Mata Dangwali temple in Sironj town of Vidisha district on the occasion of chaitra navaratra.
All the preparations for the festival have been done under the direction of State Culture Minister laxmikant Sharma who will be present in person for full nine-day festival to serve devotees visiting the temple.
The mahayagya began with recital of vedic hymns by chief priest and yagyacharya Nalinikant Sharma. Ramleela and Rasleela performances have also began at the temple that is renowned among worshipers of Goddess Durga.
The Shatchandi mahayagya is conducted every year with the aim of promoting world peace and welfare. large numbers of devotees visit the temple to offer their prayers there.
A grand reception will be held at the temple on the last day of navaratra when thousands of devotees are likely to participate.
The minister has personally directed the preparations for the celebrations. The idol of Durga has been especially decorated for the navaratra. The temple premises and surrounding areas including the hill on which it is located have been embellished with bright lights and flags.
Trucks and trolleys are used to ferry devotees from the temple during the festival.