Sharadiya Navratri is a sacred festival in Indian culture that celebrates strength, faith, spiritual practice and self-purification. Worshipping the nine forms of Maa Durga inspires us to embrace courage, restraint, patience, compassion and self-confidence in our lives. These nine days are not merely an occasion for worship and prayer, but also a time to recognise the strength within ourselves and resolve to fulfil our responsibilities towards society.
Each day of Navratri brings a special message. Maa Shailputri inspires firm determination, Maa Brahmacharini represents penance and discipline, Maa Chandraghanta embodies courage, and Maa Kushmanda inspires creativity. Maa Skandamata represents maternal affection, Maa Katyayani the fight against injustice, Maa Kalaratri fearlessness, Maa Mahagauri purity, and Maa Siddhidatri the fulfilment of spiritual practice.
Through fasting, meditation, the chanting of mantras and service, we can focus our minds and bring positivity and discipline into our lives. True spiritual practice is that which purifies our thoughts, brings sensitivity to our behaviour and inspires us to work for the welfare of others.
Worshipping the Goddess and respecting women’s power
In Indian tradition, women are regarded as embodiments of Shakti, or divine feminine power. The form of Maa Durga reminds us that, alongside affection and compassion, women possess remarkable courage, leadership abilities and the capacity to overcome challenges. Today, women are demonstrating their talent and capabilities in every field, including education, science, sports, administration, entrepreneurship, agriculture and politics.
Genuine respect for women must not be limited to the worship of goddesses. It is our responsibility to ensure that every girl has equal opportunities for education, healthcare, safety and advancement. Efforts to make women self-reliant, respect their decisions and provide them with an environment free from discrimination are what give true meaning to the worship of the Goddess.
When a woman becomes educated and self-reliant, her positive influence extends to her entire family and society. Women’s empowerment is therefore not merely a matter of women’s development; it is a cornerstone of national progress.
From respecting women to nation-building under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi: A new vision for women and child development
The Ministry of Women and Child Development aims to create a safe, healthy environment full of opportunities for women and children. Maternal and child health, nutrition, girls’ education, women’s safety and economic self-reliance are among the priorities of our collective efforts.
To make women’s empowerment an integral part of national development, several important initiatives have been undertaken by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. The government’s vision extends beyond women’s development to enabling them to lead the development process.
In this direction, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, is a historic initiative that provides for the reservation of one-third, or 33 per cent, of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. This is an important step towards increasing women’s participation in the country’s democratic system and strengthening their role in decision-making.
The Central Government has prioritised women’s safety and health alongside their social, economic and political empowerment. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign promotes a positive attitude towards girls and encourages their education. Mission Shakti focuses on women’s safety, support and empowerment, while Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 strengthens maternal and child nutrition.
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana plays an important role in providing financial assistance to eligible pregnant and breastfeeding women in accordance with prescribed provisions.
Resolve to respect and serve women this Navratri
Sharadiya Navratri teaches us that the true meaning of strength lies not merely in possessing power, but in using it for truth, justice and public welfare. On this sacred occasion, let us all resolve to provide girls with opportunities to progress, respect women’s contributions, and come forward to help women and children in need.
Let us make the spiritual practice of these nine days a means of bringing positive change into our lives. May our faith become a source of inner strength, our devotion pave the way for service, and our resolve give new direction to women’s empowerment and child welfare.
We pray to Maa Durga that, through her grace, every family may be blessed with happiness, peace and prosperity; every woman may gain the strength to live with self-respect and become self-reliant; and every girl may fulfil her dreams. Let us work together to build an India where women are respected, children’s futures are secure, and equal opportunities reach every individual.
Heartfelt greetings to everyone on the occasion of Sharadiya Navratri.
Jai Mata Di!
Courtesy PIB, Srinagar
(The author is the Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development.)