Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended greetings to citizens across several states on the occasion of the Hindu New Year and Chaitra Navratri, underlining the cultural, spiritual and philosophical significance of the festivals.
In letters addressed to people in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi, the Prime Minister conveyed his “heartfelt greetings” on the beginning of the new year marked by Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. He noted that the day signifies the start of Yugabda 5128 and Vikram Samvat 2083, calling it a reflection of India’s “vibrant and living cultural vitality spanning thousands of years.”
Highlighting the spiritual essence of Navratri, PM Modi said the nine-day festival is an occasion for devotion, self-discipline and sacrifice. “Many devotees give up food, comforts and conveniences, walking the path of restraint and discipline,” he said, adding that the festival celebrates the worship of the nine forms of Maa Shakti and reflects India’s ethos of “Unity in Diversity.”
The Prime Minister also prayed to Maa Adi Shakti for the welfare and prosperity of all citizens during the festival period. He noted that Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) and culminates with Ram Navami, which marks the birth of Lord Rama.
In separate letters, PM Modi extended New Year greetings on Ugadi to the people of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and on Gudi Padwa to citizens of Maharashtra and Goa. He described the onset of spring as a time of “new energy and possibilities,” encouraging people to embrace life’s challenges with courage and gratitude.
Referring to traditional customs such as the preparation of bitter-sweet dishes during Ugadi, the Prime Minister said these practices symbolise the acceptance of both joys and hardships in life. On Gudi Padwa, he highlighted the festival as a symbol of victory, prosperity and optimism, urging people to carry its spirit of renewal and purpose throughout the year.
The Prime Minister emphasised that such festivals not only mark new beginnings but also reinforce India’s deep-rooted traditions and cultural unity in a rapidly changing world.
(With agency inputs)
