Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday, 11 October extended warm greetings to people across the country on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, invoking the blessings of Goddess Shailaputri and expressing hope for peace, harmony, prosperity, and happiness in every household.

CM Yogi's Message on X

Taking to social media platform X, the Chief Minister offered his salutations to Adi Shakti Ma Shailaputri on the auspicious occasion. 'On the sacred first day of Sharadiya Navratri, the holy festival of worshipping Shakti, salutations at the feet of Adi Shakti Ma Shailaputri,' Yogi wrote in his post.

He further prayed for the Goddess's boundless grace to inspire inner strength and positivity. 'May Ma's boundless grace infuse self-strength, patience, and positive energy into everyone's life; may peace, harmony, and prosperity spread across the entire world; and may every home be illuminated with happiness and auspiciousness,' the Chief Minister said. He concluded his post with the devotional words 'Jai Ma Shailaputri' and also shared a Sanskrit mantra dedicated to the deity.

Union Minister Gadkari Also Extends Wishes

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari similarly offered his greetings, stating, 'On the first day of Navratri today, the ritual is to worship the first form of Maa Durga, Maa Shailaputri. Millions of salutations to Maa Shailaputri. May Devi Maa bestow restraint, peace, and positive energy upon all.'

Significance of Sharadiya Navratri

Sharadiya Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. It begins on the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin and is observed with deep devotion across several regions of India, marked by prayers, rituals, fasting, and cultural celebrations.

The festival culminates with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil. On the opening day, devotees specifically worship Goddess Shailaputri — whose name translates to 'daughter of the mountain' — regarded as the first of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, and seek her blessings for strength, well-being, and divine grace.

National Observance

Navratri is among the most widely observed Hindu festivals in India, drawing millions of devotees into temples, community pandals, and homes for prayers and cultural events. Political leaders and public figures routinely mark the occasion with formal greetings, reflecting the festival's deep cultural resonance across communities.