New Delhi, October 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday extended greetings to devotees on the third day of Shardiya Navratri, offering prayers to Maa Chandraghanta and wishing people happiness, prosperity, peace and success.
In a message posted on social media platform X, the Prime Minister paid his respects to the third manifestation of Goddess Durga, describing her as a symbol of courage, peace and divine power.
“On this Navratri, heartfelt salutations to Devi Chandraghanta, the goddess of courage, peace, and divine power! May her grace bring welfare to all. May everyone's life forever be filled with happiness, prosperity, and success — this is the auspicious wish,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister also shared a YouTube link to a devotional bhajan dedicated to Goddess Durga, titled Chottanikkara Baghavathi. He accompanied his greetings with a Sanskrit verse praising the Goddess as the divine feminine energy, the source of the universe and the embodiment of supreme power. The verse describes her grace as a guiding force that can lead living beings towards liberation.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also conveyed her greetings on the auspicious occasion, highlighting Maa Chandraghanta’s association with courage, strength, peace and protection from fear.
In her message on X, Gupta offered prayers at the feet of Maa Adi Shakti’s third manifestation and described the Goddess as benevolent and compassionate. She noted that Maa Chandraghanta is depicted with a crescent moon on her forehead and riding a lion, symbolising strength and fearlessness.
Gupta prayed that the Goddess would protect devotees from difficulties and sorrow while blessing them with well-being and prosperity.
“O world-benevolent Maa Chandraghanta, may your boundless grace ever remain upon all the people of our land. May every home be filled with happiness and prosperity, every heart with peace, and every life with auspiciousness,” she said.
The third day of Shardiya Navratri falls on October 13 this year, with devotees across the country worshipping Maa Chandraghanta through prayers, special pujas and other religious rituals.
Shardiya Navratri began on October 11 and is being celebrated with devotion in temples and households across India. The nine-day Hindu festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga, with each day associated with one of her nine manifestations, collectively known as the Navadurga.
During the festival, devotees observe fasts, visit temples, participate in devotional gatherings and perform traditional ceremonies. Many seek the Goddess’s blessings for health, prosperity, courage and protection from negative forces.
Maa Chandraghanta, worshipped on the third day, is traditionally associated with bravery, tranquillity and the destruction of evil. Her name refers to the bell-shaped crescent moon adorning her forehead. Devotees believe that worshipping her brings courage, removes fear and helps overcome obstacles.
The celebrations will continue through the nine days of Navratri, culminating in Vijayadashami, popularly known as Dussehra. The festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil and holds an important place in India’s religious and cultural traditions.
