Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday extended greetings to all the people on the auspicious occasion of Shardiya Navratri, the 9-day-long festival to worship Goddess Durga. He also prayed Goddess Durga for the good health, wealth, prosperity and development of one and all.

वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्।
वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥

माँ दुर्गा की आराधना के पावन पर्व 'शारदीय नवरात्रि' की सभी भक्तों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। शारदीय नवरात्रि का प्रथम दिवस शक्ति स्वरूपा माँ शैलपुत्री की वंदना को समर्पित है, जो साहस, धैर्य और स्थिरता… pic.twitter.com/mnUxladDTO

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) October 3, 2024

In a social media post, Pradhan said, “Greetings to all on the auspicious occasion of Shardiya Navratri, the holy festival to worship Goddess Durga.”

“The first day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Shakti Swaroopa Maa Shailaputri, who is a symbol of courage, patience and steadfastness. I pray to Goddess Durga for the good health, wealth, prosperity and development of one and all,” he added.  

Navratri, the 9-day-long festival to worship Goddess Durga, begins today with religious fervour and gaiety across the country. During the Navratri, the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. On the first day, Devi Durga is worshipped as Shailaputri.

Observed in the lunar month of Ashwin, this festival is marked by fervent worship, elaborate rituals, and cultural performances.

Temples across the country witnessed a surge of devotees coming together to celebrate the first day of the nine-day festival dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga.

Read More National News