Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 October 2026 extended warm Navratri greetings to the nation, invoking the blessings of Goddess Mahagauri — the eighth form of Goddess Durga — and expressing heartfelt wishes for prosperity, fame and a bright future for all. The Prime Minister marked the auspicious occasion of Ashtami-Navami with a devotional message shared on social media platform X, alongside a Sanskrit verse and a link to a devotional bhajan.

PM Modi's Message and Post on X

In his post, the Prime Minister wrote: 'May the blessings of Mother Mahagauri, the goddess of sacrifice and penance, brighten everyone's future. May everyone attain fame and glory in life — this is our heartfelt wish.' He also shared a YouTube link to the devotional bhajan 'Narayani Namastute' by Birendrakrishna Bhadra, underscoring the spiritual and musical traditions associated with Navratri.

Alongside his personal message, Modi shared a Sanskrit verse honouring Goddess Durga: 'Those devotees who remember Goddess Durga with devotion surely experience progress and prosperity. O goddess, sovereign of the gods! You protect those who meditate upon you from all calamities — of this, there is absolutely no doubt.' The verse highlighted the protective power of the divine mother and the importance of faith during the nine-day festival.

Significance of Ashtami and Navami

According to the Hindu calendar, Ashtami Tithi commenced on 18 October and concluded on the morning of 19 October, when Navami Tithi began. Goddess Mahagauri, worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri, is traditionally associated with purity, peace and compassion. Devotees seek her blessings for happiness and well-being. The ninth day celebrates Goddess Siddhidatri, the final form of Goddess Durga in the Navratri cycle, marking the festival's conclusion.

Devotees Throng Temples Across the Country

Temples across India witnessed a steady influx of worshippers on the occasion, with devotional chants, the ringing of bells and special rituals marking the auspicious days. In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, large crowds gathered at the famous Maa Siddhidatri Devi Temple to offer prayers and participate in traditional ceremonies on the concluding day of the festival.

In the national capital, New Delhi, devotees flocked to the prominent Jhandewalan Temple on the ninth day of Shardiya Navratri to seek the goddess's blessings. The temple witnessed significant footfall as the nine-day festival progressed toward its close, with worshippers participating in religious rituals and communal prayer.

Navratri: A Pan-India Celebration

Shardiya Navratri is celebrated across the country with prayers, fasting, devotional singing and special rituals dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The festival holds deep cultural and religious significance, drawing millions of devotees to temples and community pandals each year. This year's celebrations carried forward the tradition of mass participation, with prominent shrines reporting particularly high attendance on Ashtami and Navami.