Devotees throng Mahalaxmi temple; security beefed-up in city

Mumbai, Oct 12 (UNI) Devotees of ''Maa Durga'' thronged the famous ''Mahalaxmi temple'' and other religious places on first day of the Navratri festival to seek the blessings of the Goddess.

Many people came barefoot from long distances to the temple and offered flowers, sweets, coconuts and fruits to the Goddess. One of the devotees, Manmati Rajput, said she had come all the way from Mulund, travelling for two-and-half-hours, to visit the temple.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up at all religious places in view of the Ramzan-Id and Navratri celebrations, by the city police.

Police personnel would be on duty for the entire period and their leave applications and weekly off have been cancelled, a police official said.

Meanwhile, the city is all geared up for ''Garba'' during Navratri with the youth eager to play ''Dandiya Raas'' for the next nine nights wearing traditional dresses.

UNI