11 October,2026 10:23 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended greetings to citizens on the first day of Navratri, wishing them happiness, peace, prosperity and good health. He also offered prayers to Goddess Shailputri, worshipped as the first form of Goddess Durga during the nine-day festival.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, "Heartiest greetings to all fellow citizens on the great festival of Navratri dedicated to the practice of divine power. May the grace of Maa Jagadamba bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health to everyone's life, strengthening the resolve for national unity and progress."
In a separate post, Modi sought the blessings of Maa Shailputri, whose worship marks the beginning of Navratri. He prayed for patience, self-confidence and well-being among citizens.
"On the auspicious beginning of Navratri, countless salutations at the feet of Maa Shailputri, the goddess of peace. May her divine grace light the lamp of patience and self-confidence in everyone's heart. I pray that the blessings of the Mother always remain upon the people of the country," he wrote.
The Prime Minister also shared a YouTube link to Karpoora Nayagiye, a Tamil devotional song dedicated to Goddess Amman, a form associated with the worship of Shakti.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also greeted people on the occasion, wishing residents devotion, happiness and prosperity during Sharadiya Navratri.
"Heartfelt greetings to all residents of Delhi on the sacred festival of Sharadiya Navratri, dedicated to the worship of Adi Shakti Maa Durga. May the auspicious arrival of Maa Bhagwati fill every home in Delhi with devotion, joy, and a blessed atmosphere," Gupta wrote on X.
"By the boundless grace of Mata Rani, may every family be blessed with happiness, peace, health, and prosperity. May all wishes be fulfilled - this is the prayer at the divine feet of Maa. Shubh Navratri," she added.
Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms. Devotees across India observe the festival through prayers, rituals, fasting and other religious practices. Sharadiya Navratri begins during the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin and is celebrated with particular significance in several parts of the country.
The festival culminates with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, which symbolises the victory of good over evil.
Maa Shailputri, whose name means "daughter of the mountain", is regarded as the first form of Goddess Durga. Devotees worship her on the opening day of Navratri, seeking strength, stability, good health and divine blessings.
The festival's opening day marks the beginning of nine days of devotion, with prayers dedicated to the different forms of the goddess.
