CM Sukhu Greets Himachalis on Saptami with Kalaratri Prayers
Synopsis
On Navratri's seventh day, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu offered prayers to Maa Kalaratri, invoking blessings of fearlessness and triumph over negative forces for all devotees.
Key Takeaways
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu posted a Navratri Saptami message on 17 October 2026 .
The message honours Maa Kalaratri , the seventh of the nine Navadurga forms.
Kalaratri is venerated as a destroyer of fear, ignorance, and negative forces.
Sukhu expressed the wish that 'fearlessness endure in the lives of all' by Maa's grace.
The post continues a broad tradition of Indian political leaders publicly marking each night of Navratri with devotional greetings.
On the seventh and most charged night of Navratri, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu invoked the seventh form of Goddess Durga — Maa Kalaratri — with a devotional message on Saturday, 17 October 2026, praying for fearlessness and victory over negative forces for all her devotees.
Posting in Hindi, CM Sukhu wrote: 'ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः' ('Om, salutations to Goddess Kalaratri') — and offered the blessing that 'by the grace of Maa, may fearlessness endure in the lives of all.' The message was accompanied by a devotional image marking the occasion of Maha Saptami.
The seventh night: why Kalaratri stands apart
Maa Kalaratri is considered the most fierce of the nine Navadurga forms, her name meaning 'the dark night' — a destroyer of ignorance, fear, and malevolent forces. Saptami, the seventh day of the nine-night festival, is specifically dedicated to her worship across the country. The invocation carries a distinct spiritual weight: Kalaratri is believed to grant her devotees abhay (fearlessness) and protection from negativity.
Political leaders and Navratri tradition in India
Devotional Navratri greetings have become a firm fixture in Indian political communication, with leaders across parties marking each of the nine nights with messages honouring the corresponding form of Goddess Durga. For a Congress chief minister in a predominantly Hindu-majority hill state like Himachal Pradesh, such public expressions of faith reflect both cultural practice and the political grammar of festival seasons.
Point of View
But the specific invocation of Kalaratri — the fiercest, most protective Durga form — carries a resonance beyond ceremonial courtesy in Himachal Pradesh, a state with deep Shakti temple traditions. For CM Sukhu and the Congress, visible participation in festival cycles is part of a broader effort to reinforce cultural connect in a state where BJP has historically dominated the 'Hindu sentiment' narrative. The message is devotional in text but functions simultaneously as an assertion of cultural fluency.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maa Kalaratri and why is she worshipped on Navratri Saptami?
Maa Kalaratri is the seventh form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the seventh night of Navratri. She is considered the destroyer of darkness, fear, and negative energies, and is believed to grant devotees fearlessness and spiritual protection.
What did CM Sukhu post for Navratri 2026?
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu shared a devotional Navratri Saptami message on 17 October 2026, invoking Maa Kalaratri and wishing that her grace bring fearlessness to the lives of all devotees.
Which day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kalaratri?
The seventh day of Navratri, known as Maha Saptami, is dedicated to Maa Kalaratri.
Why do Indian politicians post Navratri greetings?
Navratri is one of India's most widely observed Hindu festivals. Political leaders across parties share devotional messages each day to connect with devotees, honour cultural tradition, and demonstrate respect for religious observances.
What is the significance of fearlessness in Kalaratri worship?
Maa Kalaratri is specifically associated with the boon of 'abhay' or fearlessness. Devotees believe her worship frees them from fear and protects them from negative forces, which is why her name means 'the dark night that destroys darkness itself.'
