Floods dampen Navratri spirit at Kangra temples

The ongoing Ashwin Navratri has drawn thousands of devotees to Kangra district’s revered Shaktipeeths, though this year’s footfall has fallen sharply due to the recent floods in Punjab and widespread monsoon destruction. Despite the challenges, temples such as Jwalamukhi, Brajeshwari Devi and Shri Chamunda Devi continue to uphold traditions with elaborate decorations, rituals and prayers for recovery and resilience.

At the Jwalamukhi Temple, where the eternal flame symbolises Goddess Jwala, daily footfall has dropped to around 5,000 compared to the usual 20,000. On the first day, nearly 12,000 mostly local devotees visited, offering Rs 7.5 lakh, matching last year’s figures. Temple officer Manohar Lal Sharma said numbers dwindled thereafter, largely because floods in Punjab curtailed pilgrim inflows. The shrine holds deep significance as the site where Sati’s tongue is believed to have fallen.

At Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham, Navratri began with the launch of a special Chandi Maha Yagna on September 22, which will continue till October 2. Typically drawing 6,000-7,000 devotees daily, attendance has slipped to around 4,000. Still, the grandeur remains intact, with 51 priests and 21 assistants performing the ceremonies.

Temple officer Rakesh Kumar said arrangements were in place to ensure a smooth flow of rituals and safety for devotees.

The Brajeshwari Devi Temple, also among the 51 Shaktipeethas, welcomed 7,800 devotees on the first day, receiving offerings worth Rs 3.14 lakh. On the second day, attendance dipped to around 5,000, according to temple officer Ashok Pathania.

While nature’s fury has affected pilgrim turnout, the atmosphere in Kangra’s temples reflects the enduring spirit of faith. For many devotees, Navratri continues to be a source of hope and renewal, blending devotion with prayers for strength in a difficult year.