Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended heartfelt greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh on the auspicious occasions of Mahanavami and Vijayadashami, celebrated as part of the grand festival of Shardiya Navratri.
In his message, he emphasised that the strength and capability of a society are reflected in how it treats its women. “A society that worships and respects its women is inherently capable and powerful,” he said.
The chief minister, speaking to the media after performing the Kanya pujan ritual at the Gorakhnath temple on Friday, shared the significance of this tradition. He said, “Shardiya Navratri is a festival that upholds and honours the dignity of women.”
He explained that followers of Sanatan dharma in India and around the world come together with devotion and enthusiasm to worship the nine forms of Maa Bhagwati Durga during the festivals of Shardiya and Vasantik Navratri. The rich traditions of Sanatan dharma’s festivals attract attention, and on the ninth day of Shardiya Navratri, the ritual of Kanya pujan is performed along with the worship of Maa Siddhidatri, who fulfills all wishes, he added.
Chief Minister Yogi expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to carry out this sacred ritual as per the long-standing traditions of Gorakshapeeth.
He further explained that Navratri is not just a festival of worshiping Shakti (power) but also represents respect for women, who make up half of the population. Since ancient times, Indian wisdom has embraced the belief that "where women are worshipped, divine powers reside”, he added.
He said that the worship of the nine forms of Maa Durga during Navratri was a significant tradition in Sanatan dharma, offering inspiration for ensuring the safety, respect and empowerment of women.
He highlighted that the safety of society is closely linked with the safety and dignity of women. By empowering women and respecting their dignity, both the state and the country can progress towards prosperity for all, he added.
Looking ahead to Vijayadashami, which is celebrated the day after Mahanavami, Chief Minister Yogi noted that it marks the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana. He pointed out that where there is worship of Shakti, there is sure to be victory. He added that Vijayadashami celebrates Lord Ram’s triumph over Ravana, who represents evil, injustice and tyranny. On this occasion, people participate in Ramlila performances and the tradition of burning Ravana’s effigy as a symbol of vanquishing injustice.
Chief Minister Yogi extended his best wishes to everyone on the festival of Vijayadashami, hoping for happiness and prosperity for all.
Earlier, following traditional Kanya pujan rituals, Chief Minister and Gorakshpeethadheeshwar Yogi Adityanath washed the feet of nine unmarried girls and worshiped them, covering them with chunari, performing aarti, serving them food with devotion, and seeking their blessings by offering them ‘dakshina’. He also performed Batuk puja on the occasion.
The ceremony took place on Friday on the first floor of his residential complex at the temple, where he washed the feet of the nine girls one by one using water from a brass plate. He applied tilak made of roli, sandalwood, curd, akshat, and barley grown at the Shaktipeeth altar to their foreheads, before honoring them with garlands, chunaris, gifts, and dakshina.
