Hope Navratri will bring prosperity and good health: PM Modi amid India lockdown

New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended greetings to the nation on the occasion of Navratri and wished that the nine-day festival will bring prosperity and health for the people of India.

"Best wishes to all countrymen on the New Year Vikram Samvat 2077. May this new year bring prosperity and good health in your life," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

"We are celebrating various festivals across India and also the start of a New Year as per our traditional calendar. Greetings on Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba. May these auspicious occasions bring good health, happiness and prosperity in our lives," he wrote.

"Sajibu Cheiraoba greetings to my sisters and brothers of Manipur. May everyone be blessed with peace and prosperity. Special prayers for the good health of the people," he added. 

He did mention that the festivals have come at a time when the nation is battling with COVID-19, so the celebration will not be like it should have been. "We are marking these festivals at a time when our nation is battling the COVID-19 menace. The celebrations will not be like they are usually but they will strengthen our resolve to overcome our circumstances. May we keep working to fight COVID-19 together," another tweet read.

On Tuesday evening, PM Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown in India to ensure there is no spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).