Thousands throng Mansa Devi Shrine

She also participated in the “Ghat Sthapna ceremony” organised by the Mansa Devi Shrine Board and performed Yajna.

“I prayed for the prosperity of the people of the state and the country. During Navratras devotees from different parts of the country come here to take blessings of the Goddess,” Hooda said.

She also urged people to celebrate the birth of female child with the same enthusiasm as they celebrate the birth of a male child.

“Girl should be given proper education and other opportunities at par with the males so that they could become self reliant,” she said.

Speaking on the occasion,Deputy Commissioner,Panchkula,Ashima Brar who is also the President of Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board said that elaborate arrangements have been made to provide adequate facilities to the devotees during Navratras.

On the first day,the shrine board collected nearly Rs 10 lakh as offerings by devotees.