HP CM Sukhu invokes Maa Kaalratri on Navratri Day 7
Synopsis
On Navratri Day 7, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu invoked Maa Kaalratri — Goddess Durga's seventh form — wishing all devotees a fearless life and victory over negative forces.
Key Takeaways
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu posted a devotional Navratri message on 17 October 2026 .
The message honours Maa Kaalratri , the seventh of Goddess Durga's nine forms, venerated on Day 7 of Navratri.
Sukhu expressed a personal wish that all devotees receive blessings of fearlessness and victory over negativity.
Himachal Pradesh has a strong Hindu devotional tradition, with Navratri and Dussehra among its most celebrated festivals.
Sukhu has served as Chief Minister since December 2022 and regularly participates in the state's religious calendar through public messaging.
On the seventh day of Navratri, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh offered devotional greetings to the state's faithful, invoking the blessings of Maa Kaalratri — the seventh and most fierce form of Goddess Durga — and expressing his wish that fearlessness and triumph over negativity touch every life.
The Chief Minister's message, posted on Saturday, 17 October 2026, read: 'ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः' — 'Salutations to Goddess Kaalratri' — followed by the words: 'Maa Kaalratri, the seventh form of Maa Durga, blesses her devotees with a fearless life and victory over negative forces. It is my heartfelt wish that all may remain fearless by the grace of the Mother.'
Who is Maa Kaalratri and why Day 7 matters
Maa Kaalratri is revered as the destroyer of darkness and evil, depicted with a dark complexion and a radiant aura that dispels fear. In the nine-night arc of Navratri, the seventh day carries particular spiritual weight — it is considered the night when devotees confront and overcome inner and outer adversities. Temples across Himachal Pradesh, a state deeply woven into the Hindu highland tradition, typically see heightened puja activity on this day.
Sukhu's Navratri outreach in a devout hill state
Chief Minister Sukhu, who has led Himachal Pradesh since December 2022, participates in the full sweep of the state's religious calendar through regular social-media posts during festivals. Himachal Pradesh has a predominantly Hindu population and a strong tradition of Navratri and Dussehra observances — the latter falling just days after Navratri concludes. Indian state chief ministers across party lines have long used festival messaging as a form of direct public outreach, signalling cultural continuity and communal goodwill.
With Dussehra on the horizon, devotees now look forward to the final two nights of Navratri before the festival season reaches its triumphant close.
Point of View
Blending cultural expression with constituency outreach. For Sukhu, governing a hill state with deep devotional roots, Navratri messaging reinforces his connection to Himachal Pradesh's religious identity — territory that rivals contest actively. The invocation of 'fearlessness' carries a resonance beyond the devotional: it echoes themes Sukhu has emphasised in his governance narrative. As Dussehra approaches, the festival season offers elected leaders a natural, non-partisan platform for public goodwill.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maa Kaalratri?
Maa Kaalratri is the seventh form of Goddess Durga, worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri. She is revered as the destroyer of darkness, evil, and fear, and is believed to grant her devotees freedom from negativity and adversity.
What did Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu say on Navratri Day 7?
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu invoked Maa Kaalratri and expressed his heartfelt wish that all devotees be blessed with fearlessness and victory over negative forces by the grace of the Goddess.
When is Navratri Day 7 in 2026?
In 2026, the seventh day of Navratri, dedicated to Maa Kaalratri, fell on Saturday, 17 October 2026.
Who is Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu?
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is a Congress leader who has served as Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh since December 2022.
How is Navratri celebrated in Himachal Pradesh?
Himachal Pradesh has a strong tradition of Navratri observance, with temple pujas, devotional gatherings, and state-supported cultural events across nine nights, culminating in Dussehra celebrations shortly after.
