<span style="color: black;">Maha Ashtami or the eighth day of Navaratri is being celebrated across the country today. This day is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri, the 8th Avtar of Maa Durga. On this day, devotees in large numbers throng various temples to offer prayers.</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">President Ram Nath Kovind has extended his greetings and best wishes to all the fellow citizens living in India and abroad. In his message, the President said that Goddess Durga is a symbol of power and is also a divine form of nari-shakti. He said, Durga Puja is the celebration of the victory of good over evil and the nine different forms of Maa Durga represent the different aspects of the association of the life and nature.</span><span style="color: #333333;"><br />'' <br />'' </span><span style="color: black;">Mr Kovind appealed to the people to resolve to build a society where women are bestowed with higher respect than before and equal participation in the process of nation building. He prayed to God that this joyous festival is marked by the spirit of peace, fraternity and unity among the citizens and we rededicate ourselves to the service and progress of our nation.</span><br />'' <span style="color: black;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the nation on the occasion of Durga Ashtami. In his message, Mr Naidu said the festival signifies the high place of respect and divinity accorded to women in Indian culture. He said such lofty ideals should be people's guiding light at all times.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: black;">Prime Minister Narendra Modi has greeted everyone on the occasion of Durga Ashtami today. In a tweet, he hoped that the blessings of goddess Durga will further the spirit of happiness and well-being in society.</span>