On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to goddess Durga by penning a special Garba song, titled ‘Aavati Kalay’. The song reflects the power and grace of the deity Maa Durga, along with the spirit of joy and happiness that the festival brings.
Sharing the song, PM Narendra Modi took to his official X handle earlier on Monday, October 7, 2024, and wrote, “It is the auspicious time of Navratri and people are celebrating in different ways, united by their devotion to Maa Durga. In this spirit of reverence and joy, here is Avanti Kalay, a Garba I wrote as a tribute to her power and grace. May her blessings always remain upon us.”
In another post, the Prime Minister thanked Purva Mantri, an emerging singer who lent voice to the composition. “I thank Purva Mantri, a talented upcoming singer, for singing this Garba song and presenting such as melodious rendition of it,” he said.
Notably, this contribution of PM Modi came after his earlier greetings to the nation on Thursday, October 3, 2024. “I wish all my countrymen a very Happy Navratri. May this holy festival dedicated to Shakti Vandana prove to be auspicious for everyone. Jai Mata Di” he added in his recent post.
Navratri, a festival of nine nights is a significant religious observance for Hindus across the country. The festival is devoted to Maa Durga and her nine different avatars called, Navdurga.
The festival observes a plethora of rituals, prayers, and celebrations across the country. In some parts of Northern India, the festival also witnesses some dramatic performances of Ramlila, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Navratri which is celebrated during the month of Ashwin (September-October) is called Shardiya Navratri.
Here are the Nine Different Avatars of Maa Durga:
- Shailaputri: Referred to as the daughter of the mountains she is the incarnation of the divine goddess Durga and depicts an image of nature.
- Brahmacharini: She is the goddess of penance and the receiver of austerity and is also considered the goddess of devotion and purity.
- Chandraghanta: With fighting spirit being her characteristic feature, she is most often associated with peace, calmness, and wealth.
- Kushmanda: The creator of the universe she brings light into the darkness.
- Skandamata: She is the mother of Skanda also known as Karthikeya; the goddess symbolizes the strength of a mother.
- Katyayani: Sarashwathee is the Courage Goddess; a child of the sage Katyayana.
- Kalaratri: The fierce and destructive power of an emotionless woman is included in the persona of the dark goddess.
- Mahagauri: White represents purity and serenity and that is the color most associated with her image.
- Siddhidatri: The giver of supernatural powers she is the epitome of devotion and spiritualism.
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Ma Durga – bgins with Shailputri and ends with Siddhidarti. During the festival, devotees across the country engage in various rituals, prayers, and events such as Garba in Gujrat and elaborate pandals in West Bengal. The festival culminates with Dussehra, marking the triumph of Maa Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
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