Nadda Invokes Maa Skandamata on Navratri Day Five
Synopsis
Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda marked the fifth day of Sharadiya Navratri by invoking Maa Skandamata with a Sanskrit shloka, wishing all Indians happiness, prosperity, and good health during the autumn festival.
Key Takeaways
Union Health Minister J.
Nadda posted Navratri greetings on Thursday, 15 October 2026 .
The post marks Day Five of Sharadiya Navratri, dedicated to Maa Skandamata , the fifth form of Goddess Durga.
Nadda shared a classical Sanskrit shloka describing Skandamata seated on her throne with lotus-bearing hands.
His wishes specifically included 'utam swasthya' (good health) — reflecting his portfolio as Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare.
Sharadiya Navratri is the nine-night autumn festival venerating nine forms of Goddess Durga, observed across India.
On the fifth day of Sharadiya Navratri, Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda offered his devotions to Maa Skandamata — the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga — and extended wishes of happiness, prosperity, and good health to all devotees and citizens of India.
Nadda shared a Sanskrit shloka in his post: 'सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया। शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कंदमाता यशस्विनी॥' — roughly translated as 'She who is ever enthroned, her two hands resting on lotus flowers, may the illustrious Goddess Skandamata always bestow auspiciousness.' He concluded with the traditional invocation 'Jai Mata Di!'
Sharadiya Navratri is the nine-night autumn festival venerating the nine forms of Goddess Durga, observed widely across India. Each day is dedicated to a distinct form of the goddess, and the fifth day belongs to Skandamata — mother of the war god Skanda, revered for her grace and protective power.
Nadda's greeting carries a characteristic note from his ministerial portfolio: alongside blessings of joy and prosperity, he specifically wished 'utam swasthya' — good health — for the nation's faithful, a quiet alignment between the festive moment and his role as the country's top health official.
Point of View
But Nadda's specific inclusion of 'good health' in his Navratri wish is a small, deliberate signal that keeps his ministerial identity visible even in ceremonial communication. As BJP national president, such posts also serve the broader organisational goal of maintaining a culturally resonant connection with the party's core voter base during high-visibility religious occasions. The gesture carries no new policy weight, but it reinforces the pattern of India's Health Minister using every platform — however devotional — to keep health messaging in public view.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata?
The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), revered for her nurturing and protective qualities.
What did JP Nadda post on Navratri 2026?
J. P. Nadda shared a Sanskrit shloka honouring Maa Skandamata and wished all devotees and citizens happiness, prosperity, and good health on the fifth day of Sharadiya Navratri.
What is the meaning of the Sanskrit shloka Nadda posted?
The shloka describes Maa Skandamata as ever-enthroned with lotus flowers in her hands and prays that the glorious goddess always bestow auspiciousness on her devotees.
What is Sharadiya Navratri?
Sharadiya Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival observed in autumn, dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, and is one of the most widely celebrated religious events in India.
Why did JP Nadda mention health in his Navratri wishes?
As Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare , Nadda included a wish for 'utam swasthya' (good health) alongside prosperity — a subtle nod to his ministerial portfolio within a devotional greeting.
