Vaishno Devi temple lights up as world celebrates Navratri 2021

Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra, India illuminated on the eve of Navratri, reported Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

The celebrations of Sharad (autumn) Navratri involve worshipping Goddess Durga and her nine forms. The festival is celebrated in different ways across the country. Over the next nine days, devotees offer their prayers to Goddess Durga and observe fasts. Also known as Sharad Navratri, the occasion is believed to mark Goddess Durga's victory over demon Mahishasura, signifying the triumph of good over evil.

The 10th day of Sharad Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.

The festival of Navratri will be observed from October 7 till October 15.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on October 7, wished people on the first day of the Navratri and hoped that the festival would bring strength, good health, and prosperity in everyone's lives.

Taking to Twitter, PM said, "Navratri greetings to everyone. The coming days are about devoting ourselves to the worship of Jagat Janani Maa. May Navratri be the bringer of strength, good health and prosperity in everyone's lives." The PM shared a picture in which he can be seen praying before Maa Durga.

The Prime Minister also shared a video of Stuti devoted to Goddess Shailaputri, who is worshipped on the first day of Navratri.

Taking to Twitter, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, and several other political leaders greeted people on the auspicious occasion.

BJP National President JP Nadda wished the people happiness and good health.

Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said, "My best wishes to all the countrymen on the beginning of Sharadiya Navratri, the festival of devotion to Goddess Durga. May Maa Durga shower her blessings on all of us and give us strength to dedicate our lives to the nation and society and work for its progress."

(ANI)