October 19, 2026 4:35 PM

Durga Puja across West Bengal brings together devotion, artistry and community traditions

Elaborate pandals, clay idols, the rhythm of the dhaak and gatherings of families and neighbours define Durga Puja across West Bengal, where the worship of the Goddess is also a major celebration of art and cultural identity. From neighbourhood community pujas to household observances, the festival combines religious rituals with performances, shared meals and visits to decorated pavilions. Preparations begin months in advance, bringing together idol-makers, designers and organisers. At its sp...

October 19, 2026 4:32 PM

From Garba to Ramleela, Navratri and Dussehra connect communities across the world

Temple prayers, Garba gatherings, dramatic retellings of the Ramayana and family reunions give Navratri and Dussehra a global presence, carrying religious traditions across borders while creating spaces for cultural exchange. Celebrations take different forms across countries. Navratri centres on devotion to the Goddess, while Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of good over evil, associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. I...

October 19, 2026 4:16 PM

From Mysuru’s pageantry to Kerala’s first letters, South India celebrates Navratri and Dussehra’s many traditions

Illuminated palaces, carefully arranged dolls, floral gatherings and ceremonies introducing children to learning give Navratri and Dussehra distinct expressions across South India. Across the region, worship of the Goddess brings together devotion, artistic traditions and community participation. While the celebrations share themes of divine strength and the victory of good over evil, local customs shape how families and communities observe the festival—from Karnataka’s grand Dasara process...

October 13, 2026 7:07 PM

Assam tea workers to get special 20 pc bonus ahead of Durga Puja: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday announced a special bonus of 20 per cent for tea garden workers across more than 800 tea estates in the state ahead of Durga Puja, describing the initiative as a festive gift for the tea community. In a post on social media platform X, CM Sarma said the bonus would help tea workers celebrate the festival with their families and participate in the festivities during the Navratri and Durga Puja period. “On the sacred occasion of Navratri, a g...

October 12, 2026 10:23 AM

Navratri day 2: PM Modi offers prayers to Maa Brahmacharini; seeks blessings for courage, self-control

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended his greetings on the second day of Navratri, offering prayers to Maa Ambika and seeking the blessings of Maa Brahmacharini for courage, determination and self-control. In a post on X, the Prime Minister shared a Sanskrit verse dedicated to Maa Ambika, describing her as the supreme power governing the universe and embodying the powers of all the gods. “We bow with complete reverence and devotion to Maa Ambika, the supreme power that governs the ...

October 11, 2026 9:07 AM

PM Modi extends Navratri greetings, prays for happiness, peace and prosperity

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 progre...

March 27, 2026 10:59 AM

PM Modi seeks blessings of Maa Siddhidatri on ninth day of Chaitra Navratri

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended heartfelt greetings to citizens on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Durga. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Salutations to Maa Siddhidatri! I pray to the Goddess to bless all her devotees with the fulfilment of their goals.” He also shared a Sanskrit verse, invoking the blessings of the Goddess, who is revered by divine beings and is believed to bestow spiritual powers, accomplish...

March 25, 2026 9:26 AM

PM Modi seeks blessings of Maa Kaalratri on seventh day of Chaitra Navratri

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to citizens on the occasion of the seventh day of Chaitra Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Maa Kaalratri, and prayed for courage, determination, and success for all. In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “I bow down to Mother Kaalratri! It is my prayer that, through Her blessings, everyone's life be enriched with courage, determination, and success.” He emphasised that the worship of the Goddess instils renewed confidence and fil...

March 24, 2026 10:39 AM

PM Modi seeks blessings of Maa Katyayani on sixth day of Chaitra Navratri

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended greetings to the nation on the sixth day of Chaitra Navratri, dedicated to Maa Katyayani, and prayed for strength and confidence for all devotees. In a post on X, the Prime Minister offered his obeisance to Maa Katyayani and said, “May the grace of the Goddess - the presiding deity of divinity and valour - infuse all her devotees with immense strength and self-confidence.” He added that the worship of Mother Jagadamba fills the mind with inf...

March 23, 2026 9:39 AM

PM Modi highlights divine grace of Goddess Skandamata on fifth day of Chaitra Navratri

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reflected on the spiritual essence of Navratri, highlighting the deep sense of peace, devotion, and inner strength derived from the worship of the Mother Goddess. Extending his wishes on the fifth day of the festival, dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, the Prime Minister offered prayers for the well-being and prosperity of all citizens. In a post on X, he said, “Heartfelt prayer to Maa Skandamata! May she, with her compassionate affection and blessings, il...