J&K leaders extend Navratri greetings, pray for peace, harmony and prosperity

SRINAGAR/JAMMU, MARCH 18: Senior leaders of the Jammu and Kashmir Government on Tuesday extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri and Navratra, highlighting the festival’s deep spiritual, cultural and social significance. Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Minister Javid Ahmad Dar described Chaitra Navratri as a vibrant celebration of Nari Shakti, symbolising strength, resilience and the divine feminine energy of Maa Durga. He said the nine-day festival represents devotion, reflection and renewal of faith, while also inspiring courage, harmony and peaceful living.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said Navratri carries immense religious and cultural importance and symbolises the triumph of truth over falsehood and good over evil. He noted that the festival inspires people to uphold righteousness and strengthen the values of compassion, devotion and unity. He also underlined Jammu and Kashmir’s legacy of coexistence, brotherhood and harmony among all faiths.

Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology, Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana also greeted the people and said Chaitra Navratri, marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year, is a sacred period of devotion, self-discipline and spiritual reflection. He said the festival encourages people to preserve the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage while fostering mutual respect, harmony and collective progress.

All three leaders prayed for peace, prosperity, happiness and well-being of the people and expressed hope that the festival would further strengthen communal harmony, renewed positivity and the spirit of unity across Jammu and Kashmir.