Lucknow, Apr 5 (UNI) All 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh were immersed in spiritual fervour as the Akhand Paath (continuous recitation) of Shri Ramcharitmanas began on the sacred occasion of Ashtami during Chaitra Navratri on Saturday.
Following the guidance of Goraksha Peethadheeshwar and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Akhand Manas Paath, which started on Saturday, will culminate at noon on Ram Navami at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, coinciding with the divine Surya Tilak of Shri Ram Lalla.
As per the directives of the CM, comprehensive arrangements were made in temples across all districts to ensure the comfort and safety of devotees. Yogi visited and worshipped at Maa Pateshwari Shakti Peeth during the festivities.
In a recent meeting, he had emphasised that a large number of devotees were expected to visit major Devi temples and Shakti Peeths, such as Devipatan Temple in Balrampur, Shakumbhari Devi Temple in Saharanpur, and Vindhyavasini Devi Dham in Mirzapur. In response, all necessary arrangements were made to ensure the convenience and safety of the devotees.
Jute matting was laid to prevent discomfort for those standing in long queues under the hot sun, and strong provisions for drinking water and canopies were set up in all temples. Special attention was given to cleanliness, with additional sanitation workers employed to maintain a clean environment in the temples, shrines, and surrounding areas.
Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said that on the special occasion of Ashtami and Shri Ram Navami, religious rituals like Akhand Ramayan Paath, Sunderkand Paath, and Devi Gayan are being organised in all the 75 districts of the state. “Crowds of devotees are gathering in the temples. The atmosphere of Ram Bhakti and faith is at its peak across the state. Devotees are very enthusiastic about the festival of Shri Ram Navami,” he said.
He said that special worship and rituals have started in all the major Ram temples, Hanuman temples, Devi temples, Valmiki temples, and Shakti Peeths of the state. “On the initiative of the Culture Department, committees were formed in all the districts, through which the performance of local bhajan troupes and folk artists has been ensured,” he said.
