President Murmu's Durga Puja message: respect women to honour Maa Durga
Synopsis
President Droupadi Murmu used her Durga Puja message not merely as a seasonal greeting but as a direct appeal: that true devotion to Maa Durga must manifest as respect for women in everyday life. It is a pointed reminder — timed to the festival — that India's reverence for feminine divinity should extend beyond ritual.
Key Takeaways
President Droupadi Murmu extended Durga Puja greetings to all Indians on 18 October 2026 .
She described the festival as a celebration of India's spiritual heritage and the victory of Maa Durga over Mahishasura .
The President called on citizens to ensure respect and dignity for women in all aspects of personal and social life.
She said devotion to Maa Durga is best expressed by honouring women beyond the festival season.
President Murmu prayed for the happiness, prosperity, and continued development of India.
President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday, 18 October 2026, extended her greetings to all Indians on the occasion of Durga Puja, calling the festival a living symbol of India's spiritual heritage and urging citizens to honour women in every sphere of personal and public life. The message, addressed to Indians both at home and abroad, wove together themes of cultural unity, feminine strength, and the timeless ideal of good triumphing over evil.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
President Murmu described Durga Puja as a celebration of India's rich spiritual traditions and the victory of divine forces over evil. 'The victory of Maa Durga over Mahishasura is an inspiring example of the triumph of divine forces over evil,' she said in her message. She further noted that Maa Durga is revered as the deity who blesses people with wisdom and inspires them to dedicate themselves to the well-being of others.
Festival as a Unifying Force
The President underlined the festival's power to bring communities together across the country. Durga Puja, she said, provides a vibrant national platform to showcase India's diverse traditions, lifestyle, art, and culture. The celebration cuts across regional and linguistic lines, reinforcing a shared sense of identity among Indians worldwide.
Call for Women's Dignity and Empowerment
A central theme of President Murmu's message was the imperative of ensuring respect and dignity for women. 'Durga Puja reflects our tradition of revering the strength of women. We can express our true devotion to Maa Durga by ensuring respect for women in every aspect of personal and social lives,' she said. The President urged that the ideals symbolised by the worship of the goddess be translated into everyday conduct and social norms — not merely observed during the festival season.
Blessings for the Nation
Concluding her message, President Murmu prayed that the blessings of Maa Durga bring happiness and prosperity to all citizens, and that India continues to advance on its development path. She conveyed her best wishes to every Indian, regardless of where they reside, expressing hope for the nation's continued progress.
Point of View
She implicitly acknowledges the gap between India's ritual reverence for feminine divinity and the ground reality of women's safety and dignity. Coming from the first tribal woman to hold the office of President, the message carries a weight that goes beyond protocol. The question is whether such annual appeals, however sincere, translate into measurable change in attitudes or remain confined to the festival calendar.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did President Droupadi Murmu say on Durga Puja 2026?
President Droupadi Murmu extended her greetings to all Indians on 18 October 2026, describing Durga Puja as a celebration of India's spiritual heritage and the triumph of good over evil. She called on citizens to honour women in all aspects of life as a true expression of devotion to Maa Durga.
Why did President Murmu link Durga Puja to women's empowerment?
President Murmu emphasised that Durga Puja reflects India's tradition of revering feminine strength, and that this reverence must go beyond ritual. She said that ensuring respect for women in personal and social life is the most genuine form of devotion to Maa Durga.
What is the significance of Durga Puja according to President Murmu?
According to the President, Durga Puja celebrates the victory of divine forces over evil, as symbolised by Maa Durga's triumph over Mahishasura. The festival also serves as a unifying platform for India's diverse traditions, art, and culture.
Who did President Murmu address her Durga Puja message to?
The President addressed her message to all Indians residing both within the country and abroad, praying for their happiness, prosperity, and the nation's continued development.
