On the occasion of Navami, the ninth day of Navratri, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is also the head of Gorakshpeeth, performed Kanya pujan and offered prayers to 'Matrishakti' (mother power) by washing the feet of maidens in Gorakhpur on Tuesday.

The chief minister also performed ‘aarti’, served food to girls and gave them ‘dakshina’ (donation) and gifts while seeking their blessings. Following the tradition, the chief minister also performed Batuk puja.

On occasion, the chief minister also interacted with the children while performing the puja. At the same time, the children also expressed their happiness and enthusiasm at being greeted by the chief minister himself.

Later in the evening, a grand Vijayadashami procession was taken out with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seated on the chariot with the blessings of Guru Gorakshanath.

“The procession of Gorakshpeethadhishwar reached Mansarovar temple amidst the sounds of trumpets, drums and bands where Yogi Adityanath worshipped Devadhidev Mahadev and other deities at the temple attached to the Gorakshpeeth,” it added.

Later, the chief minister’s procession reached Mansarovar Ramlila Maidan where he performed the coronation of ‘Lord Ram’ at the ongoing Ramlila in Gorakhpur. Aarti was also performed after offering prayers to Lord Ram, Mata Janaki, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman.

Subsequently, the procession returned to Gorakhnath temple where the traditional prasad was distributed in front of Digvijaynath Smriti Bhawan.

“Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also settled disputes of saints at Gorkashpeeth. According to the tradition of Nathpanth, every year, on the occasion of Vijayadashami, the disputes of saints are settled by the peethadheeshwar in Gorakhnath temple,” a statement said.