Navaratri 2018: National Leaders And Celebrities Extend Navaratri Wishes on Social Media
National Leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished people on the occassion of Navaratri (Photo credits: PTI)

The nine-day festival of worshipping Goddess Durga in all her forms has begun today. During these nine days, ‘Maa Durga’ is worshipped across the nation. The Goddess Durga is also known as Adi Parashakti, Devi, Bhavani, Amba, Parvati and Yogmaya. She is commonly depicted riding a tiger or a lion and carrying weapons in each of her multiple arms. Maa Durga is commonly depicted riding a tiger or a lion and carrying weapons in each of her multiple arms.

Navratri, which literally means ‘nine nights’ will see devotees venerate nine manifestations of Maa Shakti. These nine avatars of Navadurga are – Devi Shailputri, Devi Brahmacharini, Devi Chandraghanta, Devi Kushmanda, Devi Skandamata, Devi Katyayini, Devi Kaalratri, Devi Mahagauri and Devi Siddhidhatri. Devotees invocate the divine feminine form and do the Durga puja at home. Shri Durga Stuti Paath With Lyrics by Anuradha Paudwal: This Navaratri 2018, Chant Durga Stuti Mantra For Seeking Blessings From Maa Durga (Watch Video)

On the occasion of Navaratri, Twitter is flooded with the wishes of famous personalities:

1)    Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his tweet prayed for the well-being of everybody. In his anther tweet, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of Maa Shailaputri

2)    Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also extended his wishes on the occasion of Navaratri.

3)    The Congress through its Twitter handle wished people on Navaratri.

4)    On the festive occasion, Congress National Spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi sent out greetings to the nation.

5)    Explosive Indian opener Virendra Sehwag reached out to the people of the country to extend his wishes on the occasion of Navaratri.

In northern and eastern India, people in large numbers pay a visit to beautifully decorated Durga pandals, and grand processions are taken out. In western parts of the country, traditional folk dance, Garba or Dandiya nights are held. Sharad Navratri is observed in the lunar month of Ashvin (September–October) and is the most significant Navaratri that is celebrated with full enthusiasm. Therefore, Shardiya Navratri is also known as Maha Navratri. The festival of Dussehra is celebrated immediately after the Navaratri.