Maha Navami, the ninth day of Navratri, is being celebrated with religious fervour across Uttar Pradesh.
Akashvani correspondent reports that a large number of devotees are thronging temples and Shaktipeeths across the state on the occasion of Maha Navami. More than 25 lakh devotees visited the Maa Vindhyavasini Dham in Mirzapur yesterday to offer prayers.
Another 20 to 25 lakh devotees are expected to visit the shrine today. Large crowds are also gathering at the Maa Pateshwari Temple in Balrampur, Maa Sheetla Chaukiya Dham in Jaunpur, Devkali Temple in Ayodhya and Lalita Devi Shaktipeeth in Sitapur.
Around 45 thousand Durga Puja pandals have been set up across state during Sharadiya Navratri. These pandals are also witnessing a heavy influx of devotees seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga.
The state government and administration have made elaborate arrangements to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees and facilitate smooth movement.
Gorakshpeethadhishwar and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed Kanya Pujan and said that the Sanatan tradition has always accorded the highest importance to the protection, respect and dignity of women. He said the worship of young girls during Navratri symbolises this very spirit.