CM Yogi Leads Sacred 3-Day Navratri Rituals and Vijayadashami Yatra in Gorakhpur

Marking the spiritual culmination of Sharadiya Navratri, Gorakshapeethadhiswar and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has commenced a three-day marathon of sacred rituals, Vedic havans, and time-honored civic traditions at the revered Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur. Rooted in the ascetic traditions of the Nath sect, the Chief Minister’s spiritual itinerary spanning Sunday to Tuesday brings together intense Shakti worship, cultural heritage, and deep-seated social cohesion. While daily temple sanctification and Kalash rituals have proceeded under head priest Yogi Kamalnath since the first day of the festival, the presence of the Gorakshapeethadhiswar during the climactic final days transforms the temple complex into the epicenter of eastern Uttar Pradesh’s festive celebrations, blending personal devotion with prayers for the peace and prosperity of the state.

Sacred Ashtami and Navami Rites: From Midnight Mahanisha Havan to Reverent Kanya Pujan

The special rituals formally commence on the auspicious evening of Maha Ashtami, Sunday, October 18, 2026, when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performs the traditional Mahanisha Puja

and elaborate fire sacrifice (havan), offering sacred oblations into the consecrated fire while praying for cosmic balance and universal welfare. Following the nocturnal rites, the spiritual focus transitions on Monday, October 19, to the sacred observance of Maha Navami. At 11:00 AM, the Chief Minister will personally conduct the ceremonial Kanya Pujan, washing the feet of nine young girls representing the Navadurgas and anointing their foreheads with a traditional tilak of vermilion (roli), sacred sandalwood paste, curd, and unbroken rice grains (akshat). In accordance with Nath panth customs, this ritual will be accompanied by Batuk Pujan, honoring a young boy as the representation of Batuk Bhairav, followed by the serving of consecrated festive bhog, monetary gifts (dakshina), and utility offerings before seeking their divine blessings.

The Historic Vijayadashami Shobha Yatra: Centuries of Communal Harmony and Rama's Coronation

The spiritual festivities reach their peak on Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026, with the departure of the grand Vijayadashami procession (Shobha Yatra) from the Gorakhnath Temple. After offering ceremonial prayers at the sanctum of Guru Gorakhnath, the Chief Minister will mount the traditional ceremonial chariot amidst the booming rhythm of nagadas, brass bands, and traditional conch shells. Moving toward the Mansarovar Temple for special worship of Lord Shiva, the procession stands as a premier testament to the city's unique socio-religious harmony, traditionally welcomed by local Muslim families, artisan weavers, and community leaders who line the streets with marigold garlands. Prominent social figures, including former Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy chairman Chaudhary Kaifulwara, recount that their families have stood outside the temple gates for three generations to receive and honor the Gorakshapeethadhiswar. The procession will culminate at the historic Mansarovar Ramlila grounds, where the Chief Minister will perform the ceremonial Rajyabhishek (coronation) and grand aarti of Lord Shri Ram, Mata Janaki, Lakshman, and Lord Hanuman, followed by the temple's traditional Tilakotsav

and an all-inclusive community feast (Sahbhoj) welcoming thousands across social, economic, and religious lines.