Nitish Kumar extends Shardiya Navratri greetings to Bihar
Synopsis
Former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on October 11, 2026 extended Shardiya Navratri greetings, invoking Maa Durga's nine forms and praying for peace, happiness, and prosperity across Bihar.
Key Takeaways
Former Bihar CM and JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar posted Shardiya Navratri greetings on October 11, 2026 .
He described Maa Durga as the presiding deity of Shakti and noted her nine forms are worshipped over nine days.
Kumar said Maa Durga infuses strength in devotees and brings welfare through compassion and benevolence.
He prayed that Navratri bring 'happiness, peace, and prosperity' to Bihar.
The post was made in Hindi on the opening day of the Shardiya Navratri festival.
On the auspicious opening of Shardiya Navratri 2026, former Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) national president Nitish Kumar extended warm wishes to people across the state, invoking Maa Durga's blessings for peace, happiness, and prosperity in Bihar.
Posting on X on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Kumar wrote in Hindi: 'शारदीय नवरात्रि के अवसर पर हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं' — 'Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of Shardiya Navratri.' He described Maa Durga as the presiding deity of Shakti, and noted that her nine forms are worshipped across the nine days of the festival. He expressed hope that the Navratri festival would bring joy, peace, and prosperity to the state.
Navratri's significance in Bihar's public life
Shardiya Navratri, observed in the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, is among the most widely celebrated festivals across Bihar and the broader Indian subcontinent. The nine-day festival dedicates each day to one of the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga — from Shailaputri on the first day to Siddhidatri on the ninth. Kumar's message highlighted the devotional and humanitarian spirit of the occasion, noting that Maa Durga 'infuses strength in devotees and seekers, and brings welfare to all living beings through compassion and benevolence.'
For Bihar's political class, Navratri greetings carry both cultural and outreach significance — the festival draws mass participation across the state's Hindu population, and public figures routinely use the occasion to connect with constituents on a shared cultural register.
As a long-serving figure in Bihar politics — having led the state government across multiple tenures — Nitish Kumar's seasonal messages continue to carry weight among his support base even outside formal office. His invocation of Shakti, compassion, and the welfare of all living beings aligns with the devotional idiom his constituency responds to. The closing prayer — that the festival bring 'happiness, peace, and prosperity to the state' — is a pointed public wish for Bihar at large.
Point of View
Inclusive leader in Bihar. By framing Maa Durga's power through the lens of compassion and public welfare rather than religious identity alone, Kumar signals a tone that is devotional but broadly accessible. Outside formal office, such seasonal messaging helps him maintain visibility and connection with a vast constituency ahead of the next electoral cycle. The closing wish for Bihar's 'happiness, peace, and prosperity' subtly reinforces his self-positioning as a statesman who thinks in terms of the state's collective good.
NationPress
11 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Nitish Kumar say on Navratri 2026?
Nitish Kumar extended heartfelt Shardiya Navratri greetings on October 11, 2026, describing Maa Durga as the deity of Shakti and praying for joy, peace, and prosperity across Bihar.
What is Shardiya Navratri?
Shardiya Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival observed in the month of Ashwin, during which the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Bihar and across India.
Who is Nitish Kumar?
Nitish Kumar is the former Chief Minister of Bihar and the national president of Janata Dal (United), one of Bihar's most prominent political parties. He has served as Chief Minister across multiple terms.
When does Navratri 2026 start?
Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on October 11, the date on which Nitish Kumar posted his greetings marking the festival's opening.
What are the nine forms of Maa Durga worshipped during Navratri?
The nine forms, or Navadurga, include Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri, each worshipped on successive days of Navratri.
