Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday offered prayers to Goddess Chandraghanta, the third avatar of Goddess Durga, on the third day of Navratri.
Sharing a video on X, the Prime Minister said, “The third day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Mother Chandraghanta, the symbol of peace, courage, and fearlessness. May the blessings of Devi Ma infuse positivity into everyone’s life and bring happiness, prosperity, and good fortune to my family members across the country—this is my prayer.”
नवरात्रि का तीसरा दिन शांति, साहस और निर्भीकता की प्रतीक मां चंद्रघंटा की आराधना को समर्पित है। देवी मां के आशीर्वाद से हर किसी के जीवन में सकारात्मकता का संचार हो। उनकी कृपा देशभर के मेरे परिवारजनों के लिए सुख-समृद्धि और सौभाग्य लेकर आए, यही कामना है।https://t.co/FutP0J1OUs
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 24, 2025
Across the country, devotees celebrated with devotion. At Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir, pilgrims continued to visit the cave shrine despite long queues, as the Shrine Board and local administration ensured smooth darshan and facilities during the nine-day Shardiya Navratri. The pilgrimage had resumed after being suspended for 22 days due to heavy rainfall and a landslide on August 26 that killed 34 people and injured several.
In Gujarat, the festivities included large community gatherings and cultural performances, while Kolkata’s Durga Puja pandals showcased creative themes exploring artificial intelligence, environmental concerns, and evolving family dynamics, blending reflection with celebration.
Shardiya Navratri, observed during the lunar month of Ashwin, honours Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, each representing qualities such as power, wisdom, and compassion. Devotees mark the festival with daily prayers, fasting, bhajans, and energetic dance forms like Garba and Dandiya Raas.