CM Majhi extends Maha Ashtami greetings to Odisha
Synopsis
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended Maha Ashtami greetings on 18 October 2026, praying that Maa Durga bring happiness and prosperity to all. The message, posted in Odia, reflects the state's vibrant Durga Puja traditions during the Navratri festive season.
Key Takeaways
CM Majhi posted Maha Ashtami greetings in Odia on 18 October 2026 .
He invoked Maa Durga — referred to as 'Jagat Janani' (Mother of the Universe) — for the happiness and prosperity of all.
Maha Ashtami is the eighth day of Navratri and one of the most significant days in the Durga Puja festival cycle.
Odisha has a longstanding tradition of Durga Puja observance, with community celebrations across the state.
CM Majhi, who took office in 2024 , communicated directly in the Odia language, reflecting a consistent outreach approach.
On the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended warm greetings to the people of the state, invoking the blessings of Maa Durga for happiness and prosperity in everyone's lives.
Posting in Odia on Sunday, 18 October 2026, the Chief Minister wrote: 'ମହାମାୟାଙ୍କ ମହା ଅଷ୍ଟମୀ ଅବସରରେ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ ହାର୍ଦ୍ଦିକ ଶୁଭେଚ୍ଛା ଓ ଅଭିନନ୍ଦନ' — 'Heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all on the occasion of Maha Ashtami of Mahamaya. May Jagat Janani Maa Durga bring happiness and prosperity into everyone's life.'
Maha Ashtami and its place in Odisha's festive calendar
Maha Ashtami — the eighth day of the Navratri festival — is among the most spiritually significant days in the Durga Puja cycle, observed widely across Odisha and neighbouring eastern Indian states. Devotees perform special rituals honouring the goddess in her most powerful form, and the day draws large gatherings at pandals and temples across the state.
Odisha has a long and vibrant tradition of Durga Puja observance, with elaborate pandal decorations, cultural programmes, and community celebrations marking the festive week. The greeting reflects that deep cultural bond between the state's public life and its religious calendar.
A seasonal ritual of public outreach
Chief ministers across India routinely issue public messages on major festivals — a practice that both acknowledges cultural traditions and reinforces a leader's connection with constituents. For CM Majhi, who assumed office in 2024, such greetings in the Odia language also signal a deliberate choice to communicate directly with the state's people in their own tongue.
Point of View
The consistency and tone of such outreach can quietly shape a leader's public persona across the festive calendar.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maha Ashtami and why is it important?
Maha Ashtami is the eighth day of the Navratri festival, considered one of the most spiritually significant days of Durga Puja. Devotees perform special rituals and worship Goddess Durga in her most powerful form on this day.
What did Odisha CM Majhi say on Maha Ashtami 2026?
CM Mohan Charan Majhi extended heartfelt greetings in Odia, praying that Maa Durga — referred to as 'Jagat Janani' or Mother of the Universe — bring happiness and prosperity to everyone's life.
How is Durga Puja celebrated in Odisha?
Odisha observes Durga Puja with elaborate pandal decorations, community gatherings, special rituals, and cultural programmes, particularly during the Ashtami and Navami days of Navratri.
When did Mohan Charan Majhi become Chief Minister of Odisha?
Mohan Charan Majhi became Chief Minister of Odisha in 2024 after the BJP won the state assembly elections.
Why do Indian chief ministers post festival greetings?
Indian chief ministers routinely issue public greetings on major festivals to acknowledge cultural traditions, connect with their constituents, and communicate in regional languages as a sign of cultural solidarity.
