Prayers for peace on earth as Navratri begins

          New Delhi, Apr 2: The first day of the nine-day 'Navratri' festival was celebrated here with religious fervour on Wednesday. Navratri heralds the beginning of a festive season in India. The festival, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil, is marked by prayers, processions and musical programmes. Both Lord Rama and Goddess Durga are worshipped all over India in different forms. The festival is called Durga Puja in West Bengal while in the rest of the country it is known as Navratri.

          Devotees queued up outside the temples early in the morning to pay their obeisance to Durga. Many were seen thronging the marketplace outside the temples buying flowers, fruits and "chunni" (Holy red cloth) to offer at the shrines. With the US accelerating its march to Baghdad, many of the devotees said they would pray for peace in the world.

          The festival is observed twice a year - once in the beginning of winter and the other before summer, now. The nine days signify nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. She stands for 'shakti' or power and is shown as riding a lion and holding weapons in her ten hands.