The devotees of Goddess Durga thronged the temples here on Friday, the fifth day of Navratri. They waited in long queues for the darshan of the idol and participate in the special pooja, which is performed on the fifth day of Navratri, known as lalita Panchami.
Besides Mahamaya, Sheetala and Kankali temples which are considered the oldest in Raipur city, the four famous temples of the Goddess in the State at Ratanpur, Dantewada, Jagdalpur and Dongargarh also saw enormous rush right from the break of dawn.
It is believed that married women are blessed with long and happy married life if they offer bangles and vermilion to the goddess. On the other hand, spinsters are bestowed with a spouse of their choice if they offer prayers to the Goddess on this fifth day of Navratri.
Special poojas were offered at Mahamaya temple, Sheetala temple, Kankali temple, Samleshwari temple, Danteshwari temple, Mouli Mata temple, Kali Mata temple and Banjari Mata temple on the occasion of Panchami. People offered fruits and sweets to the Goddess and prayed for the well-being of their families. Stalls outside temples sold flowers, coconuts and other offerings in large quantities. The crowds kept pouring in throughout the afternoon despite the heat.