Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Goddess Durga by penning a special Garba song as a tribute to the divine feminine energy celebrated during Navratri.
Titled “Aavati Kalay,” the Garba song reflects the power and grace of Maa Durga, resonating with the spirit of devotion and joy that defines the festival.
PM Modi, sharing the song, said, “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 #AavatiKalay, a Garba I wrote as a tribute to Her power and grace. May Her blessings always remain upon us.”
Prime Minister also extended his thanks to Purva Mantri, an emerging talent who lent voice to the composition. “I thank Purva Mantri, a talented upcoming singer, for singing this Garba and presenting such a melodious rendition of it,” he said.
This personal contribution by PM Modi came after his earlier Navratri greetings to the nation on October 3. “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 wrote in a post.
Navratri, which means “nine nights,” is a time of religious observance for Hindus across the country. The festival, devoted to Maa Durga and her nine avatars, Navdurga, sees a plethora of rituals, prayers, and celebrations. Across India, the celebrations take on distinct regional flavors.
In North India, it is common to witness dramatic performances of Ramlila, re-enacting scenes from the Ramayana, with the festival culminating in the symbolic victory of good over evil during Vijayadashami, marked by the burning of effigies of the demon king Ravana.
Though four Navratris are observed throughout the year, Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri stand out as the most widely celebrated, each coinciding with the changing of seasons. Whether through Garba nights in Gujarat or fasting and rituals in Bengal, the festival embodies devotion, triumph, and the eternal power of the Goddess.
