West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari performs Pushpanjali ritual on Maha Ashtami

Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 19 : West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday performed the Pushpanjali ritual at his residence in Contai, Purba Medinipur on the occasion of Maha Ashtami.
CM Adhikari said, “I am a sanatani and I perform the Pushpanjali ritual every year. Every Hindu should perform the Pushpanjali ritual before Maa…I prayed for the well-being of everyone."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the auspicious festive occasions of Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami, extended warm greetings to citizens across the country, praying for the happiness, success, and well-being of all.
Prime Minister Modi offered prayers to Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth manifestation of Maa Durga, who represents purity, penance, and serenity.
“May the blessings of Mother Mahagauri, the goddess of sacrifice and penance, brighten everyone's future. May everyone attain fame and glory in life—this is our heartfelt wish,” PM Modi posted on X.
The nine-day festival of Navratri, dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of the divine feminine (Navadurga), is being celebrated across the country with immense religious fervour and devotion.
Mahashtami holds special importance during Durga Puja, with devotees visiting pandals to offer pushpanjali, or flowers to the goddess, as part of the day’s prayers. For many, the ritual is among the most cherished moments of the festival, bringing families and communities together in worship. 
Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava, is an annual Hindu festival that honours Goddess Durga and celebrates her victory over the demon Mahishasura. According to Hindu belief, the goddess descends to Earth during this period to bless her devotees.