Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 17 October 2026 — the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri — extended greetings to the nation, offering prayers to Maa Katyayani and expressing hope that her blessings would bring boundless strength, courage and positive energy into every life. The Prime Minister marked the occasion with a post on X, a devotional bhajan, and a Sanskrit verse.

PM Modi's Message and Offerings

'On the sacred sixth day of Navratri, countless salutations at the holy feet of Maa Katyayani! My heartfelt wish is that through Her grace, boundless strength, courage, and positive energy infuse every life,' Modi wrote on X.

Alongside his greetings, the Prime Minister shared a YouTube link to a bhajan titled 'Bhavani Ashtakam', performed by Madhvi Madhukar Jha and dedicated to Maa Durga. He also shared a Sanskrit verse in honour of Maa Jagadambika, capturing the goddess's omnipresence in words, thought and form. The verse, loosely translated, reads: 'O mother Jagadambika! Is there, indeed, any word in this world that is not a hymn of praise to you? For your very form is composed of all words. O goddess! In all the thoughts that arise in my mind, as well as in all the forms and images that appear externally, I see only your divine form.'

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Extends Navratri Wishes

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also extended greetings on the occasion, invoking the sixth form of Adi Shakti Maa Durga. 'The divine form of Maa Katyayani, who slays the demon Mahishasura and heralds the triumph of righteousness and truth, reminds us that when resolve is infused with strength and actions are guided by dharma, even the greatest obstacles can be overcome,' she said.

Gupta prayed for happiness, peace, and prosperity across every family in Delhi, and expressed hope that the capital would continue to advance on the path of 'service, security, good governance, and development.'

Yogi Adityanath Joins the Chorus of Greetings

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also offered prayers to Maa Katyayani earlier in the day, describing her as 'bearer of the message to protect righteousness.' In a post on X, he wrote: 'May we pray to Maa Katyayani... that by her grace, all devotees may attain the courage and strength to fulfil their resolves.'

Significance of the Sixth Day of Navratri

The nine-day festival of Shardiya Navratri — observed in October each year during the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin — celebrates nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. The sixth day is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, revered in Hindu tradition as the warrior form of the goddess who vanquished the demon Mahishasura. The festival is one of the most widely observed religious occasions across India, drawing participation from political leaders across party lines as well as millions of devotees.

With three days of Navratri still remaining, celebrations are expected to build toward Vijayadashami (Dussehra), which marks the culmination of the festival.