On Saturday, the Saptami of Sharadiya Navratri, the gates of Maa Durga temples and pandals opened in Sherghati, Gaya district. The auspicious opening, coinciding with the Mool Nakshatra, transformed the city's atmosphere into a devotional one. From early morning, devotees began to gather in large numbers at various puja pandals, seeking blessings for happiness, prosperity, and peace.

Idols of Maa Durga have been installed at several prominent locations in Sherghati, including Chatti Mohalla, Durga Sthan, Garh Mohalla, Hatiya Mohalla, and Naya Bazar. Devotees reverently worshipped Maa Kalratri, the seventh form of the goddess. Puja committees have elaborately decorated the pandals and made special arrangements to ensure the convenience of the visiting devotees.

According to religious beliefs, Maa Durga's arrival this year is on an elephant, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. Her departure will be on a rooster. Priests Shyam Sundar Pathak and Anuj Mishra have stated that the opening of the gates during Mool Nakshatra is highly auspicious. The entire city is enveloped in an atmosphere of great enthusiasm for Navratri. A larger crowd is expected to gather at the puja pandals by late evening, with children, women, and the elderly all showing immense excitement to have a glimpse of the goddess.