CM Fadnavis Seeks Devi's Blessings at Shinde's Thane Navratri

Key Takeaways

CM Devendra Fadnavis visited the Navratri event organised by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde at Tembi Naka, Thane on 16 October 2026 .

Fadnavis opened his post with a Sanskrit shloka dedicated to Goddess Durga , seeking protection from all fears.

He offered prayers to Jagdamba for the happiness, peace, and welfare of all citizens.

The event is part of Navratri 2026 , the nine-night Hindu festival celebrated across Maharashtra.

The visit reflects the ruling BJP–Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) alliance's practice of joint participation in major cultural celebrations.

With a Sanskrit shloka on his lips and a prayer for Maharashtra's wellbeing in his heart, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited the Navratri celebrations organised by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at Tembi Naka, Thane on 16 October 2026, seeking the blessings of Jagdamba — the mother goddess — for peace and prosperity across the state.

Fadnavis opened his post with the devotional verse: 'Sarvasvarupe sarveshe sarvashaktisamanvite, bhayebhyastrahi no Devi Durge Devi namo'stute' — ('O Goddess, present in all forms, ruler of all, endowed with all powers, protect us from all fears, O Durga, we bow to thee'). He shared that he offered prayers seeking happiness, peace, and welfare for all.

Tembi Naka's Navratri: Shinde's annual showpiece

The Tembi Naka Navratri festival in Thane is among the most prominent community celebrations in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, long associated with Eknath Shinde's political and social base in the city. Shinde, who leads the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and serves as Deputy CM, has historically used this annual event as a platform for community engagement. Fadnavis's presence underscores the active partnership between the two leaders who together anchor Maharashtra's ruling alliance.

BJP-Sena alliance in public ritual, together

Joint appearances by Fadnavis and Shinde at religious and cultural events have become a defining visual of Maharashtra's coalition governance. The ruling combine of BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) has consciously projected unity through shared participation in festivals, pilgrimages, and public celebrations. Navratri 2026, falling across nine nights, has seen state leaders fanning out to major community events across Maharashtra's districts.

The Chief Minister's visit to a festival hosted on his deputy's home turf sends a clear signal — in Maharashtra's coalition politics, the religious calendar is also a relationship-building calendar.

Point of View

A Chief Minister sharing a stage (even symbolically) with his Deputy CM signals that the ruling combine remains intact ahead of any potential political tests. Religiously inflected public outreach also allows BJP to consolidate its cultural voter base while keeping alliance partners on the same public platform.

NationPress

17 Oct 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did CM Fadnavis attend Navratri in 2026?

CM Devendra Fadnavis attended the Navratri celebrations at Tembi Naka, Thane, organised by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde on 16 October 2026.

What did Devendra Fadnavis pray for at the Navratri event?

He prayed to Goddess Jagdamba for the happiness, peace, and welfare of all people.

Who organised the Navratri festival at Tembi Naka, Thane?

The Navratri festival at Tembi Naka, Thane was organised by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

What is Navratri and when is it celebrated?

Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, celebrated annually across India, typically in October.

What shloka did Fadnavis post for Navratri 2026?

Fadnavis posted the verse 'Sarvasvarupe sarveshe sarvashaktisamanvite, bhayebhyastrahi no Devi Durge Devi namo'stute', which is a prayer seeking Goddess Durga's protection from all fears.