Chirag Paswan extends Durga Ashtami wishes to nation
Synopsis
Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan greeted the nation on Durga Ashtami, praying that Maa Mahagauri's blessings bring peace, prosperity, and good health to all. The message, posted on 18 October 2026, follows a tradition of Indian political leaders marking Navratri publicly.
Key Takeaways
Chirag Paswan , Union Minister of Food Processing Industries and LJP (Ram Vilas) president, posted Durga Ashtami greetings on 18 October 2026 .
He invoked Maa Mahagauri , the eighth of the nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri.
The minister prayed for 'happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health' for all.
The message is part of a broad tradition of Union ministers extending greetings across Hindu festivals during Navratri.
No policy announcement or parliamentary action is linked to the post.
On the auspicious eighth day of Navratri, Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan extended warm greetings to the nation on the occasion of Durga Ashtami, invoking the blessings of Maa Mahagauri — the eighth manifestation of Goddess Durga.
Posting on Sunday, 18 October 2026, Paswan opened with the Sanskrit salutation ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः ('Om, salutations to Goddess Mahagauri') and offered his mangalkamna — heartfelt good wishes — that the goddess's grace bring 'happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health' into every household.
Who is Maa Mahagauri?
Maa Mahagauri is venerated as the embodiment of purity and serenity. Worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri, she is depicted in white — symbolising peace and the fulfilment of devotees' wishes. The nine-day Navratri festival dedicates each day to a distinct form of the goddess, with Ashtami considered one of its most spiritually significant.
Leaders across party lines join the Navratri chorus
Paswan's message is part of a well-established tradition in Indian public life: Union ministers and political figures across party lines use the Navratri calendar to connect with millions of Hindu devotees nationwide. The greetings carry no policy content — their purpose is cultural outreach and public goodwill during one of India's most widely observed festivals. As president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Paswan commands a significant following in Bihar, where Navratri devotion runs deep.
Point of View
Particularly for leaders with a strong base in states like Bihar where religious observance is high. Paswan's Ashtami post reinforces his image as a culturally rooted leader even in the absence of a policy trigger. For a party still consolidating its identity in the post-Ram Vilas era, such moments of public ritual participation carry quiet but real symbolic weight. The message signals continuity with the LJP's traditional voter base without making any partisan claim.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Durga Ashtami and why is it celebrated?
Durga Ashtami falls on the eighth day of Navratri and is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga, symbolising purity and peace. It is one of the most significant days of the nine-day festival.
Who is Chirag Paswan?
Chirag Paswan is the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries in the Indian government and the national president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), a prominent political party with its base in Bihar.
What did Chirag Paswan say on Durga Ashtami 2026?
Paswan greeted the nation with the salutation 'Om, salutations to Goddess Mahagauri' and prayed that Maa Mahagauri's blessings bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health to everyone.
Who is Maa Mahagauri?
Maa Mahagauri is the eighth manifestation of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. She is depicted in white and is associated with purity, tranquillity, and the granting of devotees' wishes.
Do Indian ministers usually post greetings on Navratri?
Yes, posting festival greetings during Navratri is a well-established practice among Indian political leaders across party lines, used as a form of cultural outreach to Hindu devotees nationwide.
