Navaratri festivities begin on colorful note at Basar temple

The nine-day Sharan Navaratri Utsavalu began at the Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam in Basar, drawing devotees from across Telangana. Special rituals, Aksharabyasam ceremonies, cultural programmes, food services, additional buses and enhanced security arrangements mark the annual festivities

Nirmal: The nine-day annual Sharan Navaratri Utsavalu began on a colourful note at the ancient Sri Gnana Saraswathi Devasthanam in Basar on Sunday.

Temple officials said Maha Abhishekam, Pushparchana and Kunkumarchana were performed to mark the commencement of the festivities. Large numbers of devotees from various parts of the State visited the shrine and offered special prayers. They took a holy dip in the Godavari before seeking darshan of the deity. Some devotees also performed Aksharabyasam, a ritual marking a child’s initiation into the world of letters.

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In a unique tradition, the presiding deity is not depicted in different forms, as is customary at other shrines across the two states. Similarly, no special prayers are performed to the presiding deity. Instead, a special idol assumes various forms and is worshipped during the festivities. Cultural programmes are being organised as part of the celebrations, while voluntary organisations are providing food to devotees.

Elaborate arrangements were made to ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities. The historic temple was decorated for the occasion and is being illuminated with colourful lights. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation’s Nirmal unit is operating special buses to facilitate devotees’ travel. Security has been tightened to prevent untoward incidents. CCTV cameras have been installed across the temple premises, and large contingents of police personnel have been deployed throughout the temple town.