25 lakh devotees to converge at Vindhayachal shrine

Lucknow, Oct 11 (UNI) Navratri, which is regarded as the most pious period by Hindus in their calendar to placate 'Shakti', starts tomorrow.

This nine-odd days period is marked by fasts, special 'pujas' and observing an austere lifestyle to propitiate the deity of power.

The most revered shrine in Uttar Pradesh is Maa Vindhayavasini Devi in Mirzapur district.

Heavy security arrangements have been made for the famous Navratri Mela at the Vindhayavasini shrine.

In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks over 2,000 jawans of paramilitary and civil police have been deployed at the temples of Varanasi, Ayodhya and Mathura.

The puja timings for VVIPs have been fixed and mobile phones banned inside the temple precincts.

An estimated 25 lakh devotees are expected to throng various temples and mela sites during the period.

For keeping an extra vigil and counter any untoward incident, plain clothed armed commandos would keep an eye on the mela area round the clock.

MORE UNI