Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh will organise cultural programmes at 26 temples and religious sites across 24 districts during Sharadiya Navratri to promote women’s safety, dignity and self-reliance under Mission Shakti.The programmes will be held on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami (Oct 17, 18 and 19), respectively. The events will include devotional songs in praise of goddess Durga and recitation of the ‘Durga Saptashati’, linking the festival’s worship of Shakti.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said the reverence shown to the goddess during Navratri should translate into respect for women and girls in everyday life.“Under CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, we want our cultural programmes to carry that understanding into families and communities. These gatherings offer artists an opportunity to celebrate our traditions while strengthening the message of Mission Shakti,” he said.The selected venues include Sankata Devi Temple in Lucknow, Maa Vindhyavasini Temple in Mirzapur, Devi Patan in Balrampur, Lalita Devi Temple in Naimisharanya, Sitapur, Shakhumbhari Devi Temple in Saharanpur, Vishalakshi Devi Temple in Varanasi and Maa Sheetla Chaukiya Dham in Jaunpur.The initiative will cover prominent pilgrimage centres as well as locally revered shrines, taking the campaign’s message to communities across the state.Govt has sanctioned Rs 28.08 lakh for artists’ honoraria and travel, volunteer support and arrangements such as sound systems and seating. Culture directorate will oversee the programmes, with volunteers coordinating with participating artists at the selected venues.
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