New Delhi: With the auspicious nine-day period of Navratricommencing on Wednesday, Bollywood stars took to social media to send wishes to their fans and followers. Also known as Sharad Navratri, the occasion is believed to mark Goddess Durga's victory over demon Mahishasura, which signifies victory of good over evil.

Celebrating the onset of the festival, Bollywood diva Sushmita Sen wrote, " #duggadugga A blessed #navratri to you & all your loved ones!!! May we all celebrate the #Shakti within us & choose to live a life filled with #love & #courage. No greater way to honour #her JAI MATA DI. I love you all sooooooo sooooooo much!!!!"



Here's what the other celebs posted:

Akshay Kumar: May the blessings of Goddess Durga always be with you. Wishing you all happiness and prosperity!


Shilpa Shetty Kundra: Happy Navratri to all my Instafam, may the nine forms of Durga destroy all your hurdles, negativity and fill your life with renewed vigour, positivity, happiness and good fortune.



Juhi Chawla: Navratri, this 9-day festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, removes all negativities, purifies the mind and cultivates positive virtues. May Nav Durga bless you always."



Preity Zinta: The colourful festive season of Garba and Dandiya is here! This #Navratrimay your lives be filled with positivity and happiness... #HappyNavratri everyone. #JaiMataDi!



Goldie Behl: Wishing you nine nights of devotion, spirituality, and happiness. May Maa shower her choicest blessings over you. Happy Navratri!


Koena Mitra: Happy Durga Puja to all
Blessed be.


The fun-filled festival is celebrated in different ways across the country and involves worship of Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. Over the next nine days, devotees offer prayers to Goddess Durga and observe fasts. The tenth day of Sharad Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijayadashami. (ANI)