Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Monday extended heartfelt greetings on the occasion of Navratri, wishing that Maa Durga’s blessings bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to everyone.
Sharing a post on X, he wrote, “Heartfelt greetings to all of you on the auspicious occasion of Navratri. May the grace of Maa Durga always bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to your life. Jai Mata Di.”
Earlier in the day, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge also conveyed his greetings, hoping that the festival would bring joy and well-being to all. “Heartfelt greetings to all of you on the auspicious occasion of the great festival of worship of the Goddess of power Maa Durga, Shardiya Navratri. May the grace of Maa Adishakti remain upon everyone. May this sacred festival bring happiness, prosperity, and peace into your lives; that is my good wish,” Kharge wrote on X.
The first day of the nine-day festival saw devotees thronging temples across India to offer prayers to Goddess Durga in her nine forms. Large crowds were observed at Devkali Temple in Ayodhya, Kalkaji Temple and Jhandewalan Temple in Delhi, and Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir in Chhatarpur. In Mumbai, the Mumbadevi Temple marked the beginning of the festivities with the sacred Kakad Aarti.
Sharadiya Navratri, observed in the lunar month of Ashwin, celebrates the divine feminine energy of Goddess Durga over nine nights. Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, representing strength, compassion, and wisdom. Devotees observe fasting, sing devotional songs, and participate in traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, creating a vibrant and joyous atmosphere.