Chaitra Navratri 2021: Here's How It Looked On Day 1 Amid Covid. See Pics

Chaitra Navratri 2021: Today is the first day of Chaitra Navratri. Amid the Covid pandemic, how did people observe the auspicious day. See pics

Today is the first day of Chaitra Navratri. This the second Chaitra Navratri in a row amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Chaitra Navratri is one of the most popular festivals in the country and also a time when several states welcome the new year or Hindu Nav Varsh. While Maharashtra celebrates Gudi Padwa, Karnatala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana celebrate Ugadi, Punjab celebrates Baisakhi, Kerala marks Vishu and it's Poila Boisakh in West Bengal and Rongali Bihu in Assam. Tradionally, for each and every festival it's all about celebrating together. During the nine days of Chaitra Navratrialso people observe the rituals together and do puja in the community. Visiting the local temple is also a must especially on the first day of Chaitra Navratri. This year there are a number of strict guidelines in place as the infections are climbing rapidly. How was the first day of Chaitra Navratri this year? Were the Covid protocols followed? Here's a look at images from across the country. Chaitra Navratri in Uttar Pradesh: Devotees worshiped on the first day of Navratri at the Durga Temple in Varanasi. "Worshiping Maa Durga for nine days in Navratri fulfills all wishes.There is a lot of crowd and people have been asked to follow Covid guidelines,'' the priest was quoted by news agency ANI as saying. Chaitra Navratri in Delhi: The morning aarti was performed at Jhandewalan Temple by the priests and their family members on the first day of Navratri. The temple has been closed for people in view of rising cases of Covid in the city. At the Kalkaji Temple in Delhi, e-passes have been made mandatory for devotees on the first day of Navratri. "Devotees will be given a particular day and time to visit the temple. Online link is available on the temple website," the head priest told news agency ANI.