Maharashtra, Sep 29 (UNI) The nine-day-long Navratri festival began with 'Ghatsthapna' (installation of the idol of the Goddess) at two 'Shaktipeets', one at 'Maa Tuljabhavai' at Tuljapur in Osmanabad district and another at Mahur's 'Renuka Mata' of Marathwada region in Maharashtra, with great enthusiasm on Sunday.

The Sharadiya Navratri Utsav kickstarted with Ghatsthapana ceremony at Renuka Mata Temple, with the Renuka Devi idol dressed in a new 'Paithani'.

Nearly 20 lakh devotees from across the state, as well as from the neighbouring states, would visit the Renuka Mata Temple, where the Sharadiya Navratri Utsav kickstarted on Sunday, with the Renuka Devi idol dressed in a new 'Paithani', sources said.