Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extends greetings on Navratri

The Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, extended his wishes to the Hindu community and everyone in Canada and all around the world. He wished everyone on the occasion of Navratri, a nine-day long Hindu festival dedicated to 'Shakti'.

In a statement given on the official website on the Prime Minister of Canada, Trudeau said:

“This evening, Hindu communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate the beginning of one of their most important festivals, Navratri. The celebrations, which symbolize the triumph of good over evil, take place over nine nights and ten days. Throughout the festivities, families and friends come together to pray, dance, and observe traditions in hundreds of different forms passed down from generation to generation. The festival is now celebrated globally by Hindus and non-Hindus alike. It is a joyful time that reminds us of the invaluable contributions the Hindu community makes every day to our national fabric. On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a happy Navratri.”

ABOUT NAVRATRI

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Navratri (also called 'Navratra') is associated with 'Shakti' or the primordial energy which resides in Maa Parvati. It is believed that she is a source of all being in the universe - providing the power. Goddess Parvati is also known by many names - including Durga, Adishakti, Amba among others. The nine days of Navratri are seen as a reverence to the goddess. Each day in Navratri is dedicated to one of the nine forms or 'roop' of Maa Durga - some of which include Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Skandmata, Kalratri etc. each form is associated with a different story of the goddess.

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The grand celebration culminates on the tenth day of Dussehra or Vijay Dashmi. The festival is significant of the triumph of the good over evil. It is an auspicious time and people celebrate it with a lot of fervour and energy. Many people also keep fasts honouring the supreme power of the universe.