ICC chair Jay Shah's Navratri message: 'Maa Durga inspires courage and hope'
Synopsis
ICC chairman Jay Shah marked the start of Shardiya Navratri with a message on X, calling on devotees to embrace challenges with courage inspired by Maa Durga. The nine-day festival, running through to Vijayadashami on 20 October, is among the most widely observed Hindu celebrations in India.
Key Takeaways
ICC chairman Jay Shah posted Navratri wishes on X , invoking Maa Durga as an inspiration for courage and hope.
Shardiya Navratri 2024 begins on Sunday, 13 October , with the opening day dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri .
The festival commences with Ghatasthapana and spans nine days honouring the Navadurga — nine manifestations of Goddess Durga.
Maha Navami falls on 19 October and Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on 20 October 2024 .
Navratri is observed across India with fasting, devotional ceremonies and prayers varying by region.
International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah extended warm wishes to devotees ahead of Shardiya Navratri, which begins on Sunday, 13 October 2024, urging people across India to draw strength and inspiration from Goddess Durga as the nine-day festival commences with prayers, rituals and religious observances nationwide.
Shah's Message on X
'On this auspicious occasion, may the blessings of Maa Durga inspire us to embrace every challenge with courage and every opportunity with hope,' Jay Shah wrote in a post on X. The message underscored the festival's enduring spiritual significance, invoking Goddess Durga and her nine manifestations — collectively known as Navadurga — as symbols of strength, well-being and prosperity.
Significance of Shardiya Navratri
Observed during the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, Shardiya Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana, a foundational ritual that formally inaugurates the auspicious nine-day period. Homes and temples across the country are preparing for celebrations as worshippers light lamps, offer prayers and observe age-old customs to seek divine blessings. The opening day of the festival is dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri — regarded as the first of Durga's nine manifestations — whose name translates to 'daughter of the mountain', with devotees praying for strength, stability and well-being in her honour.
Key Dates and Observances
Throughout the nine days, each day honours a distinct form of the goddess, with regional practices varying considerably across India. Fasting, devotional ceremonies and special prayers form the backbone of the celebrations, reflecting the deep faith and cultural traditions associated with the occasion. This year, Maha Navami — marking the concluding phase of the nine-day observance — falls on 19 October, followed by Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on 20 October. Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil and traditionally brings the festive season to a close.
Broader Context
Navratri holds particular significance for millions of devotees seeking the goddess's blessings for peace, happiness and prosperity. This comes amid a period of high festive sentiment across India, with the Navratri-Dussehra-Diwali stretch marking the country's most active cultural calendar. Jay Shah's message reflects the tradition of public figures extending wishes during major Hindu festivals, a customary practice widely observed across politics, sport and business leadership in India.
Point of View
Sports or governance implication. That said, it reflects a broader pattern of Indian institutional leaders actively participating in cultural moments on social media, a trend worth noting for what it signals about the evolving public-facing role of sports administrators in India.
NationPress
11 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jay Shah say on Navratri?
ICC chairman Jay Shah posted a Navratri message on X wishing devotees well and urging them to let Maa Durga's blessings inspire courage and hope. The message highlighted the spiritual significance of the nine-day festival observed across India.
When does Shardiya Navratri 2024 begin and end?
Shardiya Navratri 2024 begins on Sunday, 13 October, with Ghatasthapana marking the start of the festival. It concludes with Maha Navami on 19 October, followed by Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on 20 October.
What is the significance of Ghatasthapana?
Ghatasthapana is the ritual that formally inaugurates Shardiya Navratri and marks the beginning of the auspicious nine-day period. It is observed on the first day of the festival, which this year is dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri, the first of the nine manifestations of Durga.
Who are the Navadurga?
The Navadurga are the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga worshipped across the nine days of Navratri. Each day of the festival is dedicated to a different form, with devotees offering prayers for strength, well-being and prosperity.
What is Vijayadashami and why does it matter?
Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, falls on 20 October this year and marks the end of the Navratri festive period. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is widely celebrated across India with processions and the burning of effigies of the demon king Ravana.
