CM Fadnavis extends MahaNavami greetings to Maharashtra
Synopsis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis marked MahaNavami on 19 October 2026 with bilingual greetings invoking Goddess Siddhidatri, praying for strength, prosperity, and good health for all, as Navaratri 2026 concludes ahead of Dussehra.
Key Takeaways
CM Devendra Fadnavis posted MahaNavami greetings on 19 October 2026 , marking the ninth day of Navaratri.
He invoked Goddess Siddhidatri , the deity associated with MahaNavami, praying for strength, courage, prosperity, and happiness.
The message was bilingual — English and Marathi — including a traditional devotional verse from the Navaratri liturgy.
MahaNavami concludes the nine-day fasting and prayer cycle; Dussehra (Vijayadashami) follows the next day with major public celebrations across Maharashtra.
The practice of senior state leaders publicly marking Navaratri is a well-established tradition in Maharashtra's political and cultural calendar.
On the ninth and final day of Navaratri, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended warm wishes to devotees across the state and country, invoking Goddess Siddhidatri — the deity worshipped on MahaNavami — to bless all with strength, courage, prosperity, and happiness.
Posting in both English and Marathi on Monday, 19 October 2026, Fadnavis shared a traditional Marathi verse: 'नवमीचे दिवशीं नव दिवसांचे पारणे हो। सप्तशतीजप होमहवनें सद्भक्ती करुनी हो॥' — loosely translated as 'On the ninth day, let the nine-day fast conclude; with the recitation of Saptashati and sacred fire offerings, let true devotion prevail.' He followed it with a prayer: 'May everyone be blessed with happiness, prosperity, and good health.'
MahaNavami and the close of Navaratri
MahaNavami marks the ninth night of the Navaratri festival, dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, the bestower of supernatural powers and fulfilment. Across Maharashtra, devotees conclude nine days of fasting, prayers, and the recitation of the Devi Mahatmya (Saptashati) with home rituals and temple visits on this day. The festival is one of the most widely observed Hindu occasions in the state.
For Maharashtra's leadership, publicly marking Navaratri's close is a long-standing tradition. Chief ministers and senior state officials routinely post bilingual greetings — combining English for reach with the regional language for cultural authenticity — a practice that reflects both the devotional significance of the occasion and the political reality of governing a state with deep roots in Maharashtra's religious calendar.
Dussehra on the horizon for Maharashtra
MahaNavami sets the stage for Dussehra (Vijayadashami) the following day — one of Maharashtra's most prominent public celebrations, marked by large processions, the symbolic crossing of the boundary (Simollanghan), and events tied to the state's political and social organisations. With MahaNavami concluded, the focus now shifts to those public observances statewide.
Point of View
When Maharashtra's large public processions demand government coordination and visibility. For a CM navigating a politically competitive state, being seen as the voice of Maharashtra's festive heartbeat carries real electoral weight.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MahaNavami and why is it celebrated?
MahaNavami is the ninth day of the Navaratri festival, dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, who is believed to bestow supernatural powers and fulfilment. Devotees conclude nine days of fasting, prayer, and recitation of the Devi Mahatmya with special rituals on this day.
What did Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis say on MahaNavami 2026?
CM Fadnavis wished everyone a blessed MahaNavami on 19 October 2026, invoking Goddess Siddhidatri for strength, courage, prosperity, and happiness, and shared a traditional Marathi devotional verse concluding the nine-day Navaratri fast.
Who is Goddess Siddhidatri worshipped on MahaNavami?
Goddess Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the final day of Navaratri. She is the bestower of 'siddhis' — divine powers and fulfilment — and is invoked for overall wellbeing and spiritual completion.
What comes after MahaNavami in Maharashtra?
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, follows MahaNavami the next day and is marked by large public processions, the Simollanghan ritual, and major events by Maharashtra's political and social organisations.
What is the Saptashati recited during Navaratri?
The Saptashati, also called Devi Mahatmya, is a 700-verse Sanskrit text from the Markandeya Purana that extols Goddess Durga. Its recitation over the nine days of Navaratri is a central devotional practice for Hindu worshippers.
