Uttar Pradesh Declares Public Holiday for Mahaanavami Celebration

Lucknow, October 16 (Daily Kiran) : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Friday that the upcoming Mahaanavami will be observed as a public holiday across the state. This year, Mahaanavami falls on October 19.

Following the Chief Minister’s directive, all government offices, educational institutions, and other state establishments will remain closed. This decision aims to provide relief to the public and ensure participation in religious activities during the festival.

Earlier in the day, Adityanath extended his greetings for the sixth day of Sharadiya Navratri and worshipped Goddess Katyayani, the sixth form of Adi Shakti. He expressed his reverence on social media, urging devotees to seek the strength and courage to fulfill their vows through the blessings of the goddess.

In conjunction with the festival, many Durga Puja temples across Uttar Pradesh will promote messages related to the safety and dignity of women and girls. Under the “Mission Shakti” initiative, the state government has decided to organize cultural programs at select temples from the seventh to the ninth day of Navratri.

These events will feature traditional devotional songs dedicated to the goddess and recitations of the Durga Saptashati during the final three days of Durga Puja. The initiative aims to raise awareness about women’s safety, dignity, and empowerment while preserving the tradition of worshiping Shakti.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh commented that Sharadiya Navratri is a festival of faith, strength, and cultural traditions. He emphasized the government’s goal of ensuring these religious events serve as catalysts for social change, enhancing awareness regarding the safety and empowerment of women and girls.