Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performed ' Kanya Pujan ' on Monday on the occasion of 'Mahanavmi' at Gorakhnath Temple and assured that the state government will work towards the safety of women.
Adityanath stated several initiatives undertaken by the Central and the state governments for the welfare of women, according to an official statement.
The statement said, "Kanya Pujan was part of a Gorakshapeeth tradition; as the chief minister performed every tradition with complete dedication". A big Paraat" (large brass plate), which was put before the Chief Minister in which he washed the feet of nine girls and also of "Batuk Bhairav", the statement said.
Adityanath also applied tilak on the girls forehead, gave each of them a Banarasi Chunri, and performed Aarti. He also gave the girls 'Dakshina' and clothes, the statement said.
"Meenakshi Rai, Ragini Rai and Vijay Laxmi Aggarwal who were present at 'Kanya Bhoj' said that they were participating in the event for the second time" according to official statement.
"Maharajji loves us very much and he also gives us Dakshina and clothes. The children said that they feel very nice after meeting Maharajji," it said.
The statement further said, "The Chief Minister observes a 9-day fast on Navratri every year. He has been in Gorakhpur for the last three days and since then he has been worshiping Goddess Durga on the first floor of the 'math' and performing 'Hawan' as a part of a tradition."
( With inputs from ANI )