New Delhi, Oct 2026 : On the auspicious eighth day of Navratri, observed as Durga Ashtami or Mahashtami, Union Minister Manohar Lal and several chief ministers extended greetings to devotees and offered prayers to Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth manifestation of Goddess Durga. Their messages highlighted the significance of purity, compassion, strength, peace and prosperity during the sacred festival.
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Manohar Lal, conveyed his greetings through a post on social media platform X. He offered prayers at the feet of Goddess Mahagauri and wished well-being and blessings for all devotees.
“Heartfelt greetings to all devotees on the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami! I bow respectfully at the feet of Maa Mahagauri, the eighth manifestation of Adi Shakti Maa Durga, and pray that the compassionate and benevolent Goddess blesses all her devotees and ensures their welfare,” he wrote.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended his greetings, emphasising the spiritual significance of worshipping Goddess Mahagauri. He said that her worship inspires purity, self-discipline and strength in the lives of devotees.
In his message, Yogi prayed that the Mother of the Universe bring happiness and peace into the lives of all devotees, fulfil their wishes and fill their homes with renewed hope and positive energy.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conveyed her wishes on the occasion, offering prayers for the well-being of the people across the country. She bowed before Goddess Mahagauri and sought divine blessings for happiness, prosperity, good health and peace in every household.
Gupta expressed hope that faith and devotion would continue to illuminate people’s lives and that the Goddess would shower her boundless grace on all citizens.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also greeted people on the eighth day of Sharadiya Navratri. Describing Goddess Mahagauri as a symbol of affection and purity, he offered prayers for happiness, peace, prosperity and positive energy in the lives of the people of the state.
He further prayed that the Goddess fulfil the wishes of devotees and bless them during the auspicious festival.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini extended greetings to residents on the occasion of Maha Ashtami, highlighting the values of strength, purity and compassion associated with Goddess Mahagauri.
In his message, Saini said the Goddess’s divine form inspires people to overcome negativity within themselves and follow the path of harmony, simplicity and selfless service.
He prayed that her blessings bring happiness, peace and prosperity to every family, fill homes with joy and help devotees fulfil their aspirations.
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary also wished people on the eighth sacred day of Sharadiya Navratri. He prayed that the divine blessings of Goddess Mahagauri bring happiness, peace, prosperity and positivity into everyone’s lives.
Choudhary expressed hope that every household would experience well-being and that renewed hope would flourish in the hearts of people through the Goddess’s grace.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya joined the celebrations, offering prayers to Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth form of Adi Shakti Maa Bhagwati.
In his message on X, Maurya bowed at the Goddess’s feet and expressed his wish that her blessings remain with all devotees at all times.
Significance of Durga Ashtami
Durga Ashtami, also known as Mahashtami, is one of the most significant days of the nine-day Navratri festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her different manifestations. Devotees across India offer prayers, observe religious rituals and seek divine blessings for their families and communities.
Goddess Mahagauri is traditionally associated with purity, serenity, compassion and spiritual strength. Her worship is believed by devotees to inspire inner discipline, positivity and the pursuit of righteous conduct.
The greetings from national and state leaders reflected the festival’s broader message of faith, harmony and collective well-being, with prayers for peace, prosperity and happiness across the country.
