NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday extended heartfelt greetings to citizens across the nation and abroad on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja and Maha Navami, highlighting the festival as a celebration of India’s spiritual heritage and an occasion to reaffirm respect and reverence for women.
In an infographic shared on X, the President conveyed her warm wishes, noting that the festival unites people across communities and showcases the country’s rich cultural tapestry. “On the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Indians residing in the country and abroad,” President Murmu stated.
On the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Indians residing in the country and abroad. https://t.co/7AgGaLpMYv
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 19, 2026
Emphasising the spiritual significance of the festival, the President said that Maa Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura serves as an eternal source of inspiration. “The festival of Durga Puja reflects India’s rich spiritual heritage. The victory of Maa Durga over Mahishasura is an inspiring example of the triumph of divine forces over evil. Maa Durga is worshipped as the deity who blesses people with wisdom to work for the well-being of others,” she said.
The President further added, “The festival of Durga Puja brings Indians together. The celebrations beautifully showcase our traditions, lifestyle, art and culture”. President Murmu also highlighted that Durga Puja honours female power and urged people to translate devotion into everyday respect for women.
“Durga Puja reflects our tradition of revering the strength of women. We can express our true devotion to Maa Durga by ensuring respect for women in every aspect of personal and social lives,” she emphasised.
Concluding her message with prayers for the country’s progress and the welfare of its people, President Murmu said, “I pray that the blessings of Maa Durga bring happiness and prosperity to all citizens and that our nation continues on the path of rapid development.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the auspicious festive occasions of Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami, extended warm greetings to citizens across the country, praying for the happiness, success, and well-being of all.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended wishes on the sacred day, invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga for peace, righteousness, and the prosperity of all citizens. The nine-day festival of Navratri, dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of the divine feminine (Navadurga), is being celebrated across the country with immense religious fervour and devotion.
Prime Minister Modi offered prayers to Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth manifestation of Maa Durga, who represents purity, penance, and serenity. “May the blessings of Mother Mahagauri, the goddess of sacrifice and penance, brighten everyone’s future. May everyone attain fame and glory in life—this is our heartfelt wish”, PM Modi posted on X.
सभी देशवासियों को महानवमी की ढेरों शुभकामनाएं। इस पावन अवसर पर मां सिद्धिदात्री के चरणों में मेरा कोटि-कोटि प्रणाम! वे अपने सभी भक्तों को संकल्प की सिद्धि का आशीर्वाद दें, यही कामना है।
https://t.co/8rWAR3rRyj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2026
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his heartfelt wishes to the people on the sacred occasion of Durga Ashtami, wishing for harmony and welfare across the country. “Heartfelt greetings on the sacred festival of Durga Ashtami. May the blessings of Maa Durga always bring happiness, peace, and prosperity into the lives of all citizens”, Amit Shah wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered prayers to Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth form of Goddess Durga worshipped on Maha Navami, who symbolises the bestower of supreme accomplishments, wisdom, and perfection.
“Jai Maa Siddhidatri! Millions of obeisance at the feet of Maa Siddhidatri, the bestower of all accomplishments and divine knowledge. On the sacred festival of Mahanavami, we pray to Maa Durga that She grant us true wisdom, discernment, humility, and the inspiration for noble deeds. May each of our achievements become a means for the welfare of the world, and may our lives progress on the path of service, devotion, and righteousness. May Maa Siddhidatri maintain Her boundless grace upon all”, Singh said on X.
जय माँ सिद्धिदात्री!
समस्त सिद्धियों और दिव्य ज्ञान की प्रदात्री माँ सिद्धिदात्री के चरणों में कोटि-कोटि नमन।
महानवमी के पावन पर्व पर पर माँ दुर्गा से प्रार्थना है कि वे हमें सद्बुद्धि, विवेक, विनम्रता और सत्कर्मों की प्रेरणा प्रदान करें। हमारी प्रत्येक उपलब्धि लोककल्याण का माध्यम बने और हमारा जीवन सेवा, श्रद्धा एवं धर्म के मार्ग पर अग्रसर रहे। माँ सिद्धिदात्री सभी पर अपनी असीम कृपा बनाए रखें।
विश्वकर्त्री विश्वभर्त्री विश्वहर्त्री विश्वप्रीता। विश्वार्चिता विश्वातीतासिद्धिदात्री नमोऽस्तु ते॥
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 19, 2026
Invoking divine grace, the Defence Minister also shared a sacred Sanskrit mantra dedicated to the deity: “Vishvakarta Vishvabhartri Vishvahartri Vishvaprita. Vishvarcita Vishvatita Siddhidatri Namo’stu Te॥”
The Hindu festival of Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, is a yearly celebration that honours the Hindu Goddess Durga and commemorates her victory over Mahishasur. Hindu mythology holds that the Goddess comes to her earthly abode at this time to bless her devotees.
Durga Puja culminates on Vijayadashami (Dussehra), which falls on the tenth day of the festival and celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. (ANI)
