Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh): Special rituals marking Sharadiya Navratri began at Gorakshpeeth, the spiritual seat of Guru Gorakhnath, on Sunday, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performing the Kalash Sthapana ceremony at the Shaktipeeth in Gorakhnath Temple.
The rituals were conducted according to Vedic traditions, with prayers for the welfare of all, an official statement said.
On the first day of Navratri, Adityanath, who is also the Gorakshpeethadhishwar, worshipped Goddess Shailputri, the first manifestation of Goddess Durga.
The Pratipada rituals concluded with prayers, recitation of sacred texts, aarti and a prayer seeking forgiveness.
