New Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted the people of several states on the occasion of Chaitra Navratri and said the festival provides an opportunity not only for devotion and spirituality, but also for sacrifice and self-control.

In a letter to the people of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi, Modi said Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the nine diverse forms of Maa Shakti and it reflects an Upanishadic philosophy, 'Ekoham bahusyam', which enables people to perceive the divine in multiple forms.

"It is this vision that establishes India as the 'Mother of Democracy' and makes 'Unity in Diversity' our natural ethos. During these nine days of Navratri, I pray to Maa Adi Shakti for the welfare of all citizens," he said.

Modi said this traditional calendar stands as a testament to the country's vibrant and living cultural vitality spanning thousands of years.

"On the sacred and auspicious occasion of the New Year and Chaitra Navratri, I extend my heartfelt greetings to you and your family," he said.

The prime minister said this auspicious day of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada is an important reference point in the ancient and scientific Indian system of timekeeping.

Today, he said, people begin the new Yugabda year 5128 and the new Vikram Samvat year 2083.

"For the next nine days, we also celebrate Chaitra Navratri. This festival provides us an opportunity not only for devotion and spirituality, but also for sacrifice and self-control," he said.

During this period, Modi said, many devotees give up food, comforts and conveniences, walking the path of restraint and discipline.