CM Majhi greets Odisha on Navratri Day 1, invokes Maa Shailputri
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
On the first morning of Navratri 2026, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi offered his reverence to Maa Shailputri — the first of the nine divine forms worshipped across nine sacred nights — and prayed for peace and happiness in the lives of all.
Posting in Odia on Sunday, 11 October 2026, CM Majhi wrote: 'ପବିତ୍ର ନବରାତ୍ରୀର ପ୍ରଥମ ଦିନରେ ମା' ଶୈଳପୁତ୍ରୀଙ୍କୁ ପ୍ରଣାମ' — 'Salutations to Maa Shailputri on the first day of the holy Navratri. May the blessings of the Mother fill everyone's life with joy and peace.'
Maa Shailputri: the first night's goddess
Shailputri — literally 'daughter of the mountain' — is the opening form of Goddess Durga venerated on Pratipada, the first day of Shardiya Navratri. She is depicted riding a bull, bearing a trident and a lotus, and is considered the root of all power. Navratri, observed in the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashwin, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals across Odisha and the rest of India.
CM Majhi's greeting, posted in his native Odia, reflects the cultural and devotional character of the festival in the state, where Navratri observances blend pan-Indian Shakti traditions with strong local heritage.