Varanasi: Kanya pujan, the ritual worship of young girls as living manifestations of Goddess Durga, marked Maha Ashtami celebrations in Varanasi on Sunday, even as Durga Puja pandals began drawing large crowds in the evening.The festivities gathered momentum ahead of Sandhi pujan, performed late at night during the transition between Ashtami and Navami. Devotees thronged puja pandals across the city to offer prayers and seek the goddess’s blessings.At Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the eighth day of Shardiya Navratri was marked by Vedic chants, worship of Shakti and offerings of adornment items to Goddess Vishalakshi. Devotees recited the Durga Saptashati and prayed for universal welfare, peace, harmony and prosperity. The rituals reflected Kashi’s tradition of devotion to Goddess Bhagwati and Lord Vishwanath.Meanwhile, the Durga Puja celebrations organised by Krishti Parishad of Banaras Locomotive Works at its community hall blended religious rituals with cultural programmes. BLW General Manager Ashutosh Pant performed the aarti of Goddess Durga, prayed for the prosperity of BLW families and inaugurated the cultural programme.Officers, employees and guests attended the celebrations, which showcased the community’s faith, cultural traditions and spirit of togetherness.
