A spirit of enthusiasm has engulfed the entire country as nine-day Navaratra festival kicked off today. It is a festival dedicated to the worship of nine forms of Godess Durga and each form has special significance. The first day, Goddess Shailputri is worshipped.

In the national capital Delhi, big and small temples including Jhandawalan, Chattarpur, Kalka Ji and Malai Mandir have been decorated with colourful lights and flowers. Long queues were seen at various temples with devotees waiting for their turn to pay their respect to the godess. Ramlila programmes are being organised at various parts of the city.The nine day fair will culminate with Dussehra celebration on Vijaya Dashmi.

AIR correspondent adds eleborate security arrangements have been made in the city to avoid any untoward incident.