The first day of Navratri began on a muted note this year dur to Covid-19 pandemic. Devotees were seen performing aarti and offering prayers at different places following social distancing norms. Bathukamma festival started in its traditional style in Hyderabad. Popularly known as Flower Festival, devotees performed their traditional rituals to mark the beginning of Bathukamma fest. With garbas banned at public venues, devotees performed aarti of Ambe Mataji in Gujarat.