CM Majhi offers Navratri Ashtami greetings to Mata Mahagauri
Synopsis
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi marked Navratri Ashtami on 18 October 2026 by offering crores of salutations to Mata Mahagauri and praying for purity, prosperity, and auspicious blessings for all.
Key Takeaways
CM Mohan Charan Majhi posted Navratri Ashtami greetings on 18 October 2026 in the Odia language.
The message was dedicated to Mata Mahagauri , the eighth form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the eighth night of Navratri.
Mahagauri is associated with purity, benevolence, and the granting of auspicious outcomes to devotees.
Odisha has a deep-rooted tradition of Shakti worship, making such observances particularly significant in the state.
The festival moves next toward Navami and the culminating Vijayadashami celebrations.
On the eighth and most spiritually charged day of Navratri, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi offered devotional greetings to Mata Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga, extending his wishes to the people of Odisha on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
Writing in Odia, the Chief Minister posted: 'ନବରାତ୍ରୀର ଅଷ୍ଟମ ଦିବସରେ ମାତା ମହାଗୌରୀଙ୍କୁ କୋଟି କୋଟି ପ୍ରଣାମ।' — 'Crores of salutations to Mata Mahagauri on the eighth day of Navratri. May the compassionate Mother bless all with purity, prosperity, and auspicious outcomes.'
Who is Mahagauri, and why does the eighth day matter?
Mahagauri is venerated as the embodiment of purity and serenity — her name literally means 'the extremely white or radiant one.' Worshipped on Ashtami, the eighth night of Navratri, she is believed to cleanse devotees of past sins and grant peace and fulfilment. Across India, Ashtami is one of the most widely observed days of the nine-night festival, marked by special pujas, havan rituals, and the feeding of young girls as a symbolic act of honouring the goddess.
Shakti worship and Odisha's deep temple traditions
Odisha has a particularly strong tradition of Shakti worship, with ancient temples dedicated to various forms of the goddess spread across the state. Navratri is observed with considerable fervour in the region, making a greeting from the Chief Minister on Ashtami both culturally resonant and publicly significant. CM Majhi, who assumed office in 2024, has consistently engaged with the state's religious calendar since taking charge.
As Navratri moves into its final stretch, devotees across the state await Navami and the culminating celebrations of Vijayadashami — the day that marks the triumph of good over evil.
Point of View
Consistent participation in Odisha's religious calendar serves as a soft governance signal, connecting the office to the lived faith of the electorate. The choice to post in Odia, rather than Hindi or English, underscores a deliberate regional outreach. As Vijayadashami approaches, such messaging will likely intensify across the political spectrum.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mata Mahagauri and on which day of Navratri is she worshipped?
Mata Mahagauri is the eighth form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on Ashtami — the eighth day of Navratri. She represents purity and is believed to bestow peace and auspicious blessings on devotees.
What did Odisha CM Mohan Majhi post on Navratri Ashtami 2026?
CM Mohan Charan Majhi posted a greeting in Odia offering crores of salutations to Mata Mahagauri and praying that the goddess bless everyone with purity, prosperity, and auspicious outcomes.
Why is Navratri Ashtami considered especially significant?
Ashtami is one of the most widely observed days of Navratri across India. Special pujas, havan rituals, and the symbolic feeding of young girls — called Kanya Puja — are performed on this day as an act of honouring the goddess.
When did Mohan Charan Majhi become Chief Minister of Odisha?
Mohan Charan Majhi assumed office as Chief Minister of Odisha in 2024, following the BJP's electoral victory in the state.
What comes after Ashtami in the Navratri festival?
After Ashtami comes Navami, the ninth and final night of Navratri, followed by Vijayadashami — the day that celebrates the victory of good over evil and marks the conclusion of the festival.
