The day marks the starting of the nine-days Shardiya Navratri festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wished the entire country. Day 1 is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi prayed for good health and happiness for all.
PM Modi tweeted on X (formerly Twitter), ‘I wish all my countrymen a very Happy Navratri. May this holy festival dedicated to Shakti Vandana prove to be auspicious for everyone. Jai Mata Di!’. In another post, he shared an idol dedicated to Maa Shailputri and wrote: “On the first day of Navratri, I pray to Maa Shailputri with folded hands! May everyone be blessed by her grace. This prayer to the Goddess is for all of you”.
नवरात्रि के पहले दिन मां शैलपुत्री की करबद्ध प्रार्थना! उनकी कृपा से हर किसी का कल्याण हो। देवी मां की यह स्तुति आप सबके लिए… pic.twitter.com/sFCnbXSHys
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 3, 2024
Other political leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari, also joined in and shared greetings on the first day of Navratri 2024. Shardiya Navratri, celebrated with great enthusiasm by Hindus across the country, is dedicated to worshipping the nine avatars of Goddess Durga.
The festival starts on October 3 this year and will conclude with Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) on October 12. On the first day of Navratri, devotees worships Goddess Shailaputri, a form of Parvati, who is depicted with a trident and lotus, showing strength and purity. She is considered the daughter of the Himalayas mounted on a bull, with ‘Shail’ referring to mountains. On Day 1 of Navratri, the important ritual of Ghatasthapana is performed, marking the commencement of nine days of festivities. This ritual includes the installation of a pot symbolising the goddess, and it is considered a way to invite divine energies into the environment. The Shardiya Navratri festival is a significant celebration in Hindu culture, observed over nine days dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Shakti. It occurs in the lunar month of Ashwin during Sharad Ritu, typically in September or October.
The festivities culminate on the tenth day with Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami, marking the win of good over evil. Each day is infused with rituals, prayers, and cultural activities that honour the divine feminine. The festival is mainly celebrated to mark the victory of Maa Durga over the demon, Mahishasura.
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