India, Oct. 21 -- Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami performed a havan and offered prayers at his official residence on Tuesday to mark Maha Navami, the ninth day of Sharadiya Navratri. On the occasion, the chief minister also performed Kanya Pujan, worshipping nine girls as representations of the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

During the religious ceremony, Dhami sought the blessings of the goddess and prayed for the progress of Uttarakhand and the happiness, peace, prosperity and well-being of its residents.

The rituals were performed as part of the traditional observances associated with Maha Navami, which holds significance for devotees during the nine-day Navratri festival. The day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess D...