The Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur was lit up in the memory of martyrs on Monday, the following day of Diwali. The first lamp in the temple’s Bheem Sarovar area was lit by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is also the Gorakshpeethadhishwar.
The chief minister paid emotional tributes to the martyrs by offering flowers to their pictures on the Muktakashi stage. Later in the evening, the Gorakhnath temple complex hosted ‘Ek Diya Shaheedon Ke Naam’ programme.
The atmosphere was radiant with the glow of 11,000 earthen lamps as the chief minister ceremoniously inaugurated the event.
The programme was organised by the Bhojpuri Association of India (BHAI). The entire temple complex was illuminated with earthen lamps, captivating onlookers.
On the Muktakashi stage within the temple complex, there was a cultural programme having patriotic songs and dances.
Visibly moved by the performances, CM Yogi encouraged the artistes.
Special recognition was given to presentations such as Faruwahi and Biraha. Noteworthy moments included the programme coordinator and BHAI president, folk singer Rakesh Srivastava, and Dr Roop Kumar Banerjee presenting a terracotta clay sculpture statue to the chief minister.
Mayor Manglesh Srivastava, head priest of Gorakhnath temple Yogi Kamal Nath, BJP state vice-president and MLC Dharmendra Singh, MLA Vipin Singh, Mahamandaleshwar Santosh Das from Kashi, and Mahant Ravindra Das of Kalibari were prominent among those present on the occasion.