GORAKHPUR, Oct. 12 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday performed the traditional 'Kalash Sthapana' at Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur, marking the beginning of the nine-day Navratri festival. The ceremony was held amid prayers and Vedic chants dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, worshipped on the first day of Navratri. The rituals began at the Shaktipeeth on the first floor of the temple complex, following the religious traditions of the Goraksh Peeth.Before the kalash was installed, a procession led by the temple's head priest, Yogi Kamal Nath, was taken out with seers in attendance. Accompanied by the ringing of bells and gongs, the blowing of trumpets and conch shells, and chants praising Goddess Durga, the procession moved to the Bhim Sarovar. The kalash was filled with water and brought back to the Shaktipeeth. Adityanath personally carried it into the sanctum and installed it amid Vedic chants. The chief minister then offered prayers to Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva and the trident associated with Guru Gorakhnath . He also worshipped Goddess Gauri and Lord Ganesha, while religious verses from the Devi Bhagwat and Shri Durga Saptashati were recited. The rituals concluded with aarti, prayers and the distribution of prasad. Head priest Yogi Kamal Nath said the special Navratri rituals had begun in keeping with the traditions of the Goraksh Peeth. He said prayers were being offered for public welfare and prosperity. The special ceremonies will continue throughout Navratri as part of the temple's annual observances.htc...