PM Modi extends Navratri greetings, prays for peace and prosperity
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, 11 October extended warm greetings to citizens across the country on the occasion of the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, invoking the blessings of Maa Jagadamba for happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health for all Indians.
PM Modi's Navratri Messages on X
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi wrote in Hindi: 'Heartiest greetings to all fellow citizens on the great festival of Navratri dedicated to the practice of divine power. May the grace of Maa Jagadamba bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health to everyone's life, strengthening the resolve for national unity and progress.'
In a separate post, the Prime Minister offered salutations to Maa Shailputri, the presiding deity of the first day of Navratri. 'On the auspicious beginning of Navratri, countless salutations at the feet of Maa Shailputri, the goddess of peace. May her divine grace light the lamp of patience and self-confidence in everyone's heart. I pray that the blessings of the Mother always remain upon the people of the country,' he wrote.
Modi also shared a YouTube link to Karpoora Nayagiye, a Tamil devotional song dedicated to Goddess Amman (Mariamman / Shakti), underscoring the festival's pan-India, cross-cultural resonance.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Joins in the Celebrations
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also extended Navratri greetings via a post on X, addressing all residents of the capital. 'Heartfelt greetings to all residents of Delhi on the sacred festival of Sharadiya Navratri, dedicated to the worship of Adi Shakti Maa Durga. May the auspicious arrival of Maa Bhagwati fill every home in Delhi with devotion, joy, and a blessed atmosphere,' she wrote.
CM Gupta added: 'By the boundless grace of Mata Rani, may every family be blessed with happiness, peace, health, and prosperity. May all wishes be fulfilled — this is the prayer at the divine feet of Maa. Shubh Navratri.'
Significance of Sharadiya Navratri
Sharadiya Navratri commences on the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin and is observed with deep devotion across several states in India. The nine-day festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, with devotees observing prayers, fasts, and rituals throughout the period.
Goddess Shailputri — whose name translates to 'daughter of the mountain' — is revered as the first of the nine forms of Durga. She is worshipped on the opening day of Navratri, with devotees seeking strength, well-being, and divine blessings.
Festival Culmination and Broader Observance
The festival concludes with Vijayadashami, popularly known as Dussehra, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil. This year's Navratri celebrations are being observed nationwide, with public gatherings, cultural programmes, and religious ceremonies marking the occasion in states ranging from Gujarat and Rajasthan to West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.