Uttarakhand Declares Public Holiday for Mahaanavami Celebration
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami announces a public holiday on October 19 for Mahaanavami during Sharadiya Navratri, celebrating culture and devotion.
Dehradun, October 17 (Daily Kiran) : Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has declared a public holiday in Uttarakhand on Monday, October 19, 2026, to mark Mahaanavami during the Sharadiya Navratri festival.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister extended his best wishes to the people of Uttarakhand, hoping for their happiness, prosperity, and well-being. He emphasized the revered status of maternal power in Indian culture and tradition, stating that the Navratri festival symbolizes women’s strength, devotion, and faith. This celebration serves as a reminder of the respect and significant role women play in society.
Dhami noted that Indian culture and traditions reflect the richness of the nation’s heritage. Festivals not only strengthen cultural roots but also promote faith, harmony, and unity within the community. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to preserving and promoting Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a public holiday for Mahaanavami across his state. This year, Mahaanavami falls on October 19. Following Adityanath’s directive, government offices, educational institutions, and other public entities in Uttar Pradesh will also observe the holiday. This decision aims to facilitate public participation in religious events during the festivities.
On the same day, Chief Minister Adityanath offered his greetings for Sharadiya Navratri and honored the sixth form of the divine mother, Maa Katyayani. He expressed his prayers for strength and courage for devotees to fulfill their vows, sharing his sentiments on the social media platform X.
In Uttar Pradesh, many Durga Puja temples have begun promoting messages related to the safety and dignity of women and girls through the recitation of ‘Durga Saptashati’ and worship of ‘Shakti’ (divine feminine power). Under the ‘Mission Shakti’ initiative, the Uttar Pradesh government plans to organize cultural programs in select temples from the seventh to the ninth day of Sharadiya Navratri.
