This Shardiya Navratri, the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has embarked on a unique mission to empower women, especially those in rural areas, by merging the rich tapestry of Hindu culture with a women-centric initiative. The state-sponsored initiative, strongly backed by the government, aims to harness the unifying power of religion to empower women and strengthen their roles in society.
In temples across various parts of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), the rhythmic chants of the Durga Saptashati – a sacred ode to the Goddess Durga – are filling the air as part of the ongoing nine-day Shardiya Navratri celebrations. In addition to these traditional recitations, temples are resounding with the verses from the epic Ramayana, and local artists are adding a festive touch with their soul-stirring devotional songs.
Navratri is traditionally a time when devotees express their deep reverence for the divine goddess. This year, the Yogi Adityanath government has ingeniously linked the cultural fervor of Shardiya Navratri with “Mission Shakti,” a women-empowerment initiative now in its fourth phase.
According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, Lord Ram invoked Goddess Parvati during this time of the year as he prepared to wage war against the demon king Ravana and rescue Sita from Lanka. The Minister for Culture, Jaivir Singh, has acknowledged that efforts are being made to ensure a significant participation of women during the Durga Saptashati recitations in temples.
Notably, this initiative follows a similar endeavor organized by the Yogi Adityanath government during the previous Navratri in March. However, this time, the scale of the initiative is grander, and its women-centric focus sets it apart. This development aligns with the recent passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill by the Narendra Modi government at the center, underlining a collective commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s participation in all spheres.
“These recitations, including Durga Saptashati and Ramayana, along with devotional songs, will be conducted in all major temples across each district. The government is committed to providing financial support for these recitations through local cultural committees headed by district magistrates,” stated Jaivir Singh. In addition to this, the government has issued a comprehensive directive to all divisional commissioners and district magistrates, emphasizing the importance of women’s participation in temples and Shaktipeeths, which are places of worship dedicated to the various incarnations of the mother goddess.
The Yogi Adityanath government’s blend of culture and women’s empowerment in this year’s Shardiya Navratri celebrations underscores the commitment to fostering gender equality, celebrating women’s role in society, and harnessing the power of religion as a unifying force. This unique initiative is poised to make a profound impact on the lives of women in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
