Bargarh: ‘Basantika Navaratra’ festival began at the temple of Maa Samaleswari in Bargarh Thursday, coinciding with ‘Chaitra Amavasya’.
On the first day, devotees offered prayers and lit an akhand dipa (Eternal Flame) as part of traditional rituals. The deity was adorned in the form of ‘Shailaputri’, marking the beginning of the Navaratra festival.
A large number of devotees gathered at the temple from early morning to seek the blessings of the goddess in her special attire.