Lucknow, Oct. 16 -- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared a public holiday in the state on October 19 on the occasion of Maha Navami, allowing people to celebrate the auspicious festival with their families.

The holy festival Maha Navami, observed on the ninth day of Navratri, holds religious significance for devotees of Goddess Durga. The festival marks the culmination of the nine-day celebrations dedicated to the nine forms of the goddess and is observed with prayers, rituals and special religious ceremonies across the country.

On Maha Navami, devotees traditionally visit temples, offer prayers and participate in religious activities to mark the occasion. Special pujas and rituals are also organised at various temples ...