PM Modi Greets Nation on Navratri as Devotees Flock to Temples Across India

October 11, 2026

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion of Sharadiya Navratri. He prayed for happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health in everyone’s lives. On the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, devotees thronged temples across the country to worship Goddess Durga.

In a post on the social media platform, Prime Minister Modi wrote, “Heartiest greetings to all the countrymen on Navratri, the grand festival of worshipping the divine power. May the blessings of Goddess Jagadamba bring happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health to everyone’s life. May the resolve for national unity and progress also be strengthened.”

Durga Puja Celebrations at Eden Gardens, Yogi Adityanath Visits

In Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari participated in a grand ceremony held at Eden Gardens on the occasion of Mahalaya. This event celebrated the beginning of the Durga Puja festival. The ceremony included a drone show, 3D projection mapping, laser and light shows, and fireworks.

On the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the Maa Pateshwari Devi Temple in Balrampur and offered prayers and sought the Goddess’s blessings.

Entry of devotees to Chandrika Devi Temple closed due to rising water levels in the Gomti River

Due to the rising water levels of the Gomti River and waterlogging, entry to the Maa Chandrika Devi Temple in Lucknow was restricted. However, worship of the Goddess continued despite the absence of devotees.

On the other hand, a large number of devotees visited the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, on the first day of Navratri.

Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami extended his greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Sharadiya Navratri on Saturday. According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), he wished the people of the state happiness, prosperity, and a happy life.

Navratri is a festival dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga

Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsav or Sharadotsav, is a major annual festival in Hinduism. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and marks her victory over the demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu beliefs, during this time, Goddess Durga descends to earth to bless her devotees.

This nine-night festival reflects India’s rich cultural traditions and spiritual heritage. Nine different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped during Navratri. Each form of the Goddess symbolizes a specific aspect of feminine power, representing various qualities of life, from courage, strength, and beauty to wisdom.