CM Bhajan Lal Sharma greets Rajasthan on Mahanavami
Synopsis
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma marked Mahanavami on 19 October 2026 by invoking a Sanskrit verse and praying that Maa Siddhidatri grant all residents of Rajasthan accomplishment, knowledge, health and success.
Key Takeaways
CM Bhajan Lal Sharma extended Mahanavami greetings to all residents of Rajasthan on 19 October 2026 .
His message opened with a Sanskrit verse glorifying Maa Siddhidatri as worshipped by gods, celestial beings and demons alike.
He offered koti-koti naman (countless salutations) at the feet of Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Goddess Durga.
The Chief Minister prayed for blessings of siddhi, gyan, aarogya and safalta for all people of the state.
Mahanavami is the ninth and culminating day of Sharadiya Navratri, preceding Dussehra celebrations.
On the ninth and most sacred day of Sharadiya Navratri, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma extended warm Mahanavami greetings to all residents of the state, invoking the blessings of Maa Siddhidatri — the ninth form of Goddess Durga — on Monday, 19 October 2026.
In his post, the Chief Minister opened with a Sanskrit verse — 'Siddha Gandharva Yakshadyair asurair amarair api, sevyamana sada bhuyat siddhida siddhidayini' — invoking the goddess who is worshipped by celestial beings, gods, and demons alike, and who bestows accomplishment upon her devotees. He then extended greetings to every resident of Rajasthan, offering 'koti-koti naman' (countless salutations) at the feet of Maa Siddhidatri and praying that she bless all with siddhi (accomplishment), gyan (knowledge), aarogya (good health), and safalta (success).
Sharadiya Navratri, the nine-night autumn festival honouring the nine forms of Goddess Durga, is one of the most widely observed Hindu festivals across India. Mahanavami — the ninth day — marks the culmination of the worship cycle before Dussehra, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Across Rajasthan, temples witness heightened footfall, community jagrans (night-long devotional gatherings), and kanya pujan (ritual honouring of young girls as manifestations of the goddess) on this day.
For elected leaders, such public observances are a standard form of cultural outreach — a tradition that cuts across party lines. Chief ministers across India regularly post festival greetings as both a mark of cultural solidarity with constituents and a signal of the state's official recognition of living traditions. Dussehra celebrations in Rajasthan are expected to follow in the coming days, with state-level events likely to draw the Chief Minister's participation.
As the festival season moves toward its close, CM Sharma's message reflects the warmth of a state that wears its devotional heritage proudly — and a reminder that the season of seeking blessings is not yet over.
Point of View
Serving as low-stakes but high-visibility cultural touchpoints with constituents. For Bhajan Lal Sharma, who leads a BJP government in a state where Hindu festival observance carries significant social weight, such messages reinforce the party's broader cultural-nationalist identity. The choice to open with a Sanskrit verse rather than a simple greeting signals a deliberate register — devotional, learned, and rooted. With Dussehra imminent, the coming days will test whether such cultural messaging translates into visible state-level ceremonial participation.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mahanavami and why is it significant?
Mahanavami is the ninth and final day of Navratri, dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Goddess Durga. It is considered the most auspicious day of the festival, marked by special worship, kanya pujan, and community gatherings before Dussehra.
What did CM Bhajan Lal Sharma say on Mahanavami 2026?
CM Bhajan Lal Sharma posted a Sanskrit verse in praise of Maa Siddhidatri and extended heartfelt greetings to all Rajasthan residents, praying that the goddess bless everyone with accomplishment, knowledge, good health and success.
Who is Maa Siddhidatri?
Maa Siddhidatri is the ninth avatar of Goddess Durga, worshipped on Mahanavami. She is believed to bestow siddhis — supernatural accomplishments and blessings — upon her devotees.
When is Sharadiya Navratri 2026?
Sharadiya Navratri is the nine-night autumn festival honouring Goddess Durga. Mahanavami, its ninth day, fell on 19 October 2026, with Dussehra following the next day.
Why do Indian chief ministers post festival greetings on social media?
Public festival greetings are a standard form of cultural outreach by elected leaders in India, signalling solidarity with constituents' traditions and the state's official recognition of major religious observances. The practice is common across all major political parties.
