Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, did a ‘Kanya Poojan’ on Monday at the Gorakhnath Temple.
The Maha Navami holiday is observed on the ninth day of Navratri. On this day, Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped by Maa Durga devotees.
Hindu legend states that on this day, Maa Durga slew the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
It is thought that Maa Siddhidatri bestows knowledge on her followers in exchange for removing their ignorance. She also supervises the planet Ketu, giving it direction and vitality.
On Navami, devotees engage in a variety of ceremonies.
On this day, many people engage in Kanjak or Kanya Puja. Many homes worship young, single girls who have not reached puberty as Durga. As their feet are cleansed and prasad is provided, they are invited to homes.
Some devotees take baths in holy rivers, others also perform Sandhi Puja and offer 108 flowers and bilva leaves to Goddess Durga.
Navami is followed by Dussehra, which marks the celebration of good over evil.