PM Modi greets nation on Navratri, invokes Maa Shailputri
Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the start of Navratri 2026 on 11 October by offering reverence to Maa Shailputri and praying that her divine grace kindle patience and self-confidence in every Indian's heart.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi posted Navratri greetings on 11 October 2026 , the festival's opening day.
He bowed to Maa Shailputri , the first of nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri and regarded as the deity of peace.
The Prime Minister prayed for the lamp of patience and self-confidence to be lit in every citizen's heart through her divine grace.
He expressed the wish that the goddess's blessings remain with the people of India throughout.
Navratri spans nine nights , each dedicated to a different avatar of Goddess Durga, and is among India's most widely observed Hindu festivals.
As the first light of Navratri 2026 broke across India on Sunday, 11 October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his reverence to Maa Shailputri — the presiding deity of peace and the first of the nine divine forms worshipped during the festival — and extended warm wishes to the nation.
In his post on X, the Prime Minister wrote: 'नवरात्रि के शुभारंभ पर शांति की अधिष्ठात्री मां शैलपुत्री के चरणों में कोटिश: नमन।' — 'On the auspicious commencement of Navratri, I bow a crore times at the feet of Maa Shailputri, the presiding goddess of peace.' He expressed the hope that her divine grace would light the lamp of patience and self-confidence in every heart, and that the blessings of the goddess would always remain with the people of the country.
Maa Shailputri and the first day of Navratri
Navratri, one of Hinduism's most widely observed festivals, spans nine nights dedicated to the nine avatars of Goddess Durga. The first day is consecrated to Maa Shailputri — daughter of the mountains, symbolising steadiness, peace, and inner strength. Devotees across India observe fasts, perform aarti, and visit temples on this day, marking the spiritual new beginning that Navratri represents.
The Prime Minister's message, centred on dhairya (patience) and aatmavishwas (self-confidence), reflects the traditional significance of Shailputri as a source of grounded, unwavering resolve — qualities the festival invites its observers to cultivate over the nine days ahead.
Point of View
And Modi's Navratri message follows that established pattern. The choice to foreground Shailputri's association with peace and inner strength — rather than just offering generic greetings — gives the message a slightly more textured spiritual framing. At a ceremonial level, such posts consolidate cultural connection with a vast devotional audience without carrying overt policy content. The message carries no electoral or legislative dimension and is best read as a seasonal, faith-rooted outreach.
NationPress
11 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did PM Modi say on the first day of Navratri 2026?
PM Modi bowed to Maa Shailputri on 11 October 2026 and prayed that her divine grace light the lamp of patience and self-confidence in every Indian's heart, with her blessings always upon the nation.
Who is Maa Shailputri and why is she worshipped on Navratri Day 1?
Maa Shailputri is the first of nine forms of Goddess Durga celebrated during Navratri. She is regarded as the daughter of the mountains and the presiding deity of peace, symbolising steadiness and inner strength.
When does Navratri 2026 begin?
Navratri 2026 began on Sunday, 11 October, with the first day dedicated to Maa Shailputri.
What is the significance of Navratri in India?
Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival honouring the nine avatars of Goddess Durga. Devotees observe fasts, perform prayers, and visit temples, making it one of India's most widely celebrated religious observances.
What language did PM Modi use for his Navratri post?
PM Modi posted his Navratri message in Hindi on X, invoking Maa Shailputri and wishing all citizens her divine blessings.
