PM Modi greets nation as Sharadiya Navratri begins

October 11, New Delhi: Devotees gathered in large numbers at temples across the country on October 11 to offer prayers on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri 2026, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.

In Delhi, devotees thronged Jhandewalan Temple, where the sound of bells and devotional hymns accompanied the aarti. Pilgrims also gathered at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra and Haridwar’s Mata Mansa Devi Temple to seek blessings.

In Patna City, long queues formed at Sheetla Mata, Badi Patan Devi and Chhoti Patan Devi temples as devotees offered prayers to mark the beginning of the festival.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X, to greet the nation on the occasion of Day 1 of Sharadiya Navratri festival, his post read, "On the auspicious commencement of Navratri, crores of salutations at the feet of Mother Shailaputri, the presiding deity of peace. May the divine grace of the Mother kindle the lamp of patience and self-confidence in the hearts of all. May the Mother’s blessings forever remain upon the people of the country, this is my heartfelt wish."

(Caption 1-3: Heavy rush of devotees as they wait to offer prayers at Jhandewalan Temple on the first day of Navratri in New Delhi on October 11, 2026.)

(Caption 4: A heavy rush of devotees is witnessed at Darshani Deodi as pilgrims begin their journey to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine to seek blessings on the first day of the Navratri festival, in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, on October 11, 2026.)

Source & Wire Service: Prasar Bharati SHABD (DD / Akashvani News)