CM Sukhu offers prayers at Kalibari temple on Maha Ashtami
Synopsis
On Maha Ashtami of Sharadiya Navratri, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited Kalibari temple to offer prayers to Maa Kali, seeking peace, prosperity, and progress for all residents of Himachal Pradesh.
Key Takeaways
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the Kalibari temple on Maha Ashtami, 18 October 2026 .
He offered prayers at the feet of Maa Kali on the occasion of Sharadiya Navratri .
Sukhu prayed for happiness, peace, prosperity, and progress for all people of Himachal Pradesh .
The visit follows a well-established tradition of Indian elected leaders marking major Hindu festivals with public temple observances.
Sukhu has served as Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister since 2022 , representing the Indian National Congress .
On the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami during Sharadiya Navratri, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu visited the Kalibari temple on Sunday, 18 October 2026 to seek the blessings of Maa Kali, praying for the peace, prosperity, and happiness of every resident of the state.
Posting on X, CM Sukhu wrote: 'शारदीय नवरात्रि की महाष्टमी के पावन अवसर पर आज कालीबाड़ी मंदिर में माँ काली के श्रीचरणों में शीश नवाया' — 'On the sacred occasion of Maha Ashtami of Sharadiya Navratri, I bowed at the holy feet of Maa Kali at the Kalibari temple today.' He added that he prayed to Maa Bhagwati for happiness, peace, prosperity, and progress to prevail in the lives of all people of the state, closing with a resounding 'Jai Maa Kali.'
Maha Ashtami and its significance in Navratri observance
Maha Ashtami — the eighth day of Navratri — is considered one of the most sacred nights of the nine-day festival, dedicated to the fierce and powerful form of the goddess. Devotees across India observe the day with special prayers, kanya pujan (the ritual honouring young girls as embodiments of the goddess), and temple visits, making it among the most widely observed occasions in the Hindu calendar.
A tradition of elected leaders and festive connection
Indian chief ministers routinely mark major Hindu festivals with public temple visits and prayers for public welfare — a long-standing pattern of elected leaders participating in religious and cultural life to connect with constituents. For Sukhu, who assumed office in 2022 as the Indian National Congress chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, such observances reflect both personal faith and a deliberate effort to remain visible in the cultural fabric of the northern hill state.
Point of View
Visible participation in Navratri observances signals inclusivity and grassroots attunement. The gesture is low-stakes ceremonially but carries consistent symbolic weight across India's festival-dense political calendar.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did CM Sukhu offer prayers on Maha Ashtami 2026?
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu offered prayers at the Kalibari temple on Maha Ashtami , the eighth day of Sharadiya Navratri, on 18 October 2026 .
What did CM Sukhu pray for on Navratri Maha Ashtami?
He prayed to Maa Bhagwati for happiness, peace, prosperity, and overall progress in the lives of all residents of Himachal Pradesh .
What is the significance of Maha Ashtami in Navratri?
Maha Ashtami is the eighth day of the nine-day Navratri festival and is dedicated to the goddess in her fierce form. It is considered one of the most sacred days, marked by special prayers and rituals including kanya pujan .
Who is Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu?
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh , representing the Indian National Congress . He assumed office in 2022 .
Do Indian chief ministers typically visit temples during Navratri?
Yes — it is a long-standing pattern in Indian political life for chief ministers and senior leaders to mark major Hindu festivals such as Navratri with public temple visits and prayers for public welfare.
