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Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished people on the auspicious Navratri festival Saturday morning. The nine-day long festival has begun today with Shailputri puja, and will end on October 26 with Vijay Dashami and Durga visarjan.
"ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥ 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," Modi said in a tweet.
The festival is dedicated to the various forms of Goddess Durga. Devotees chant holy mantras and worship the mighty valour of Maa Durga. They also follow a ritual of fasting.
Meanwhile, devotees are offering prayers at famed temples in the country.
