Archive · 11 Oct 2026
PM Modi Seeks Shailputri's Blessings as Navratri 2026 Begins
Shardiya Navratri is a nine-day festival honoring Goddess Durga and her different forms.
In 2026, it began on October 11.
The first day is devoted to Goddess Shailputri.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a prayer and wished people patience and self-confidence.
The article says Shailputri is known as the daughter of the Himalayas.
She is often shown riding a bull and holding a trident and a lotus.
People may begin the festival with a ceremony called Ghatasthapana.
They also pray, offer flowers, fruit or sweets, and some people fast.
Shardiya Navratri began on Sunday, October 11, 2026, starting a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered salutations to Goddess Shailputri and wished people patience and self-confidence.
Shailputri, worshipped as the first form of Navadurga, is associated with peace, strength, stability and devotion.
The article describes her as the daughter of the Himalayas and, in Hindu mythology, a reincarnation of Goddess Sati.
Day-one observances include Ghatasthapana, prayers, offerings and, for some devotees, fasting.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and devotees observing Shardiya Navratri.
- What
- Navratri began, and Modi offered prayers and wishes honoring Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Navadurga.
- When
- Sunday, October 11, 2026, the festival's first day.
- Where
- Across India; the article also describes worship at temples and homes.
- Why
- Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms; devotees worship Shailputri on the first day seeking blessings.
- Festival
- Shardiya Navratri
- Start date
- Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Duration
- Nine days
- First-day deity
- Goddess Shailputri
- Prime Minister's message
- Modi wished people patience and self-confidence and offered salutations to Shailputri.
- Opening ceremony
- Ghatasthapana, also called Kalash Sthapana
- Common observances
- Prayers, offerings of flowers, fruits and sweets, and fasting for some devotees