Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended greetings to citizens on the first day of Navratri, praying for happiness, peace, prosperity and good health for all.
In a post on X (in Hindi), 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 another post, PM Modi offered prayers to Maa Shailaputri, the deity worshipped on the opening day of Navratri.
“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 said.
The Prime Minister also shared a YouTube link to Karpoora Nayagiye, a Tamil devotional song dedicated to Goddess Amman.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari offered salutations to Maa Shailaputri and wished for restraint, peace and positive energy for all.
“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,” he said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended greetings on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, invoking the blessings of Goddess Shailaputri for strength, patience, positivity and harmony.
“On the sacred first day of Sharadiya Navratri, the holy festival of worshipping Shakti, salutations at the feet of Adi Shakti Ma Shailaputri,” he said in a post on X.
“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,” he added.
CM Yogi concluded his message with “Jai Ma Shailaputri” and shared a Sanskrit mantra dedicated to the Goddess.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta greeted citizens, praying that the festival would bring devotion, joy and well-being to every household.
“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,” she said in a post on X.
Gupta also prayed for happiness, peace, health and prosperity for every family and the fulfilment of their wishes.
Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, with devotees observing prayers, rituals and other religious practices during the nine-day festival. Sharadiya Navratri begins on the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin and culminates with Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
Goddess Shailaputri, whose name means “daughter of the mountain”, is regarded as the first form of Durga. Devotees worship her on the opening day, seeking strength, well-being and divine blessings.
