My Navratri ‘I Turn to Devi for Strength’

For me, Devi is a presence in my everyday life. Every morning, when I wake up, I bow to her and ask for the strength to follow the right path. It is a simple ritual, but one that grounds me and reminds me of the values I want to live by.

I have always believed that a creative journey, whether it is in writing, acting, dance, music or the visual arts, is not an easy one. It is rarely a path that promises money, fame or recognition. For me, art is also a way of giving form to something that begins as an idea, an instinct or an inner calling. Perhaps that is where my faith and my work meet: in the belief that, with Devi’s grace, we can create something that moves beyond us and touches others.

You pursue art because something within you draws you towards it, often without a clear explanation. I believe that this calling comes from the divine. The Shakti, or feminine energy, is a natural flow of creativity, a blessing that guides those who choose to follow this path.

During Navratri, my connection with Devi becomes even more meaningful. I turn to her for the strength to translate ideas into reality, to take something that exists in the mind and give it a physical form in the world. As someone who curates art, I see this in the exhibitions and projects I have been fortunate to bring together. Whether it was the art show The Living Temple or the work we are currently doing to build a festival around baolis for Telangana, these are undertakings that require conviction, perseverance and the ability to see an idea through.

I do not believe that such things happen through individual effort alone. There is a certain grace that allows us to move forward, overcome challenges and make our intentions tangible. For me, that grace comes from Devi. I see her blessings not as something separate from my work, but as the strength that makes the work possible. My prayer is always that I remain receptive to that energy and have the courage to follow where it leads.

“I do not believe things happen through individual effort alone. There is a certain grace that allows us to move forward, overcome challenges and make our intentions tangible. For me, that grace comes from Devi. I see her blessings not as something separate from my work, but as the strength that makes the work possible. My prayer is always that I remain receptive to that energy.”

Annapurna Madipadiga, Founder EkChitra Art Gallery