Pranams to Maa Shailputri: PM Narendra Modi extends greetings on day 1 of Navratri, wishes happiness, peace

The auspicious occasion of Navratri, the nine days of festivities to welcome Goddess Durga, begins on Saturday.

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (October 17) extended his greetings to people on the beginning of Navratri and wished them happiness, peace and prosperity.

With the blessings of the goddess, may our planet be safe, healthy and prosperous, he said in a tweet.

"Pranams to Maa Shailputri on Day 1 of Navratri. With her blessings, may our planet be safe, healthy and prosperous. May her blessings give us strength to bring a positive change in the lives of the poor and downtrodden," PM Modi said. 

This time India is celebrating Navratri amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Devotees were seen visiting temples to offer prayers and perform puja and rituals while simultaneously following COVID-19 guidelines. Most of the temples across India have opened after remaining shut for nearly six months due to the pandemic.