CM Yogi to observe three‑day rituals from ‘Ashtami to Dussehra’ in Gorakhpur, declares holiday on Monday
Gorakhpur, October 16: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will observe three days of special rituals and traditional festivities from Sunday to Tuesday, beginning with the Nisha Puja at Gorakh Peeth on Ashtami, followed by Kanya Pujan on Navami, and concluding on Dussehra with a special Guru Gorakhnath puja before leading the Vijayadashami procession from the Gorakhnath temple.
The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to give a holiday on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja and Sharadiya Navratri. The Uttar Pradesh government has declared a public holiday on 19th October (Monday) in the entire state on the auspicious occasion of Mahanavami.
Principal Secretary (General Administration) S.V.S. Ranga Rao has issued a government order in this regard on Friday. Under this, by amending the holiday list issued earlier, all the Divisional Commissioners, District Magistrates, High Court, Banks and related departments have been directed to ensure compliance of the order.
It is noteworthy that earlier, holiday was scheduled for Mahanavami and Vijayadashami on 20th October, but keeping in mind the importance of the festival, worship and sentiments of the general public, the government has decided that now there will be a complete public holiday on 19th October (Monday) also on the holy festival of Mahanavami.
On the first day of Shardiya Navratri, Yogi installed the Kalash at the Shaktipeeth of the Gorakhnath Temple. Subsequent regular Navratri puja rituals are being performed by Yogi Kamal Nath, the chief priest of the Gorakhnath Temple, as his representative. From the eighth day of Ashtami to Vijayadashami Yogi Adityanath will be present for worship and ceremonial events.
On Sunday (October 18), on the eighth day of Navratri, Yogi will perform Mahanisha puja and havan as per the prescribed rituals and pray for the welfare of the people. On Monday (October 19), starting at 11 am, the ‘Kanya Pujan’ ritual will be held at the Gorakh Peeta as a symbol of reverence and respect for the Mother Goddess.
The Vijayadashami procession, led by the CM Yogi, begins from the Gorakhnath Temple on Dussehra. Social harmony is evident in this procession. People from all walks of life participate in this procession, and it is also given a grand welcome by members of minority communities (Muslims and weavers). Chaudhary Kaifulwara, former chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy, who has been welcoming the Vijayadashami procession for three generations, explains that they stand a short distance from the temple’s main gate with garlands to welcome Yogi Adityanath hours in advance.
