Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday performed the traditional Kanya Puja at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur to mark the Mahanavami festival. He participated in this special puja, which is held on the ninth day as part of the Sharan Navaratri. The girls, who are the embodiment of Shakti, were worshipped and their blessings were taken.

On this occasion, Yogi Adityanath himself cleansed the feet of the girls and applied tilak to them. Later, he performed aarti, performed pujas and honored them by offering them clothes, prasad and dakshina. He said that he felt fortunate to participate in this holy event. After the pujas, a Bhandara (collective meal) was arranged in the temple premises.

Later, Yogi Adityanath addressed the people and gave key instructions on the occasion of Vijayadashami celebrations. He asked everyone to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm, but at the same time, safety standards should not be neglected. He said that Vijayadashami, which symbolizes victory over evil, conveys a great message of freedom from vices.

The Yogi explained that Navami Tithi is of utmost importance in Sharan Navaratri and that on this day, Goddess Siddhidhatri, the ninth incarnation of Jagajjanani, is worshipped. He commented that Kanya Puja is a testament to the highest respect given to the mother power in Sanatan Dharma. The Navratri festivities, which are celebrated to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, culminate with Vijayadashami.