The Uttar Pradesh government is offering Rs 1 lakh to all districts in the state for organising special events in Shakti Peeths (Goddess Shakti worship places) and temples during Chaitra Navratri, which begins on March 22. These include recitation of ‘Akhand Ramayana,’ ‘Devi Gayan,’ ‘Devi Jagran,’ ‘Jhankis’ and ‘Durga Saptshati’ in all temples across the state. These events are likely to be held in every district, tehsil and block level.
Along with these, cultural programmes will also be held, where women’s participation will be encouraged. Special instructions have been issued to all the district magistrates and the committee commissioners to complete the preparations by March 21.
Two nodal officers appointed
Two nodal officers have also been appointed at the state level to list the names and addresses of the temples where such programmes are to be held. Based on the instructions of the state’s Cultural Department Principal Secretary Mukesh Meshram, the photographs and contact details of the temples must be shared by the temples’ management board.
Emphasis on women’s participation
The participation of women and girls in these programmes has been prioritised. Photographs of programmes held in the temples will be posted on the Culture Department’s website.
Organising committee will be formed
An organising committee will be constituted that will choose special artists to perform on such cultural programmes. The department has allocated Rs 1 lakh each for such artists. People’s representatives will also participate in these events.
Navaratri
Navaratri is an annual Hindu festival observed in the honour of the goddess Durga. It spans over nine nights (and ten days), first in the month of Chaitra (March/April of the Gregorian calendar), and again in the month of Sharada. It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Hindu Indian cultural sphere.