Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while greeting the people of the state on the occasion of Mahanavami of Vasantik Navratri and Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Ram, said that one should not mistake religion for just a medium of worshipping.

“Religion gives a sense of duty. Religion connects us with virtue, duty and moral values and leads us towards a positive and creative tendency by walking on the right path,” he said while addressing the media after completing the rituals of ‘Kanya Pujan’ and Shri Ram Janmotsav in Gorakhnath temple on Thursday.

He said that the gaiety and enthusiasm seen on Sri Rama Navami showed that virtue and creativity in the society had progressed rapidly. “New India is being formed with positivity and creativity under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Yogi Adityanath said.

He went on to say that the whole world was realising the power of a strong and powerful India. “The concept of Ram rajya is also being realised in 'Samarth Bharat',” he said. 

In Ram rajya, the benefits of the schemes of governance are reaching every section of society without any discrimination, he added.

 The chief minister said that the whole world had seen the strength and sensitivity of India during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Many public welfare programmes are in front of everyone. The needy were given free accommodation, toilets, cooking gas connections, electricity connections without any discrimination. Not only this, free ration was also made available to every poor in times of crisis. Efforts are being made to bring about  comprehensive change in the life of every citizen,” he said.

Describing the leadership of G-20 as a pride for the country, The chief minister said that the theme of G-20 was the contribution of the Indian sage who explained the vast form of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Praying to Mother Jagatjanani Bhagwati and Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram for a happy and prosperous life for all citizens, the chief minister said that along with the worship of Mother Siddhidatri on navami tithi, the birth anniversary of Shri Ram was being celebrated with enthusiasm. “Grand programmes have been organised at different places of the state. There is a lot of enthusiasm at every temple in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram. Since yesterday, more than 15 lakh devotees have visited Hanuman Garhi and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya after bathing in the holy river Saryu. 

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also participated in the birth anniversary of Prabhu Shri Ram organised at Muktakashi stage of Gorakhnath temple complex.  He also performed the ‘aarti’.