Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday, 16 October 2026, declared Maha Navami — the ninth and final day of Shardiya Navratri — a public holiday across the state. This year, Maha Navami falls on 19 October, and the directive will result in the closure of government offices, educational institutions, and other state establishments.

What the Holiday Covers

Following Adityanath's directive, all government offices, educational institutions, and government establishments in Uttar Pradesh will remain shut on 19 October. The decision was announced to provide relief to citizens and facilitate participation in religious observances during one of Hinduism's most significant festival periods. The state government cited ensuring public access to religious events as the primary reason for the declaration.

CM Adityanath's Navratri Greetings

Earlier on Friday, Adityanath extended greetings on the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri, offering prayers to Maa Katyayani, described as the sixth form of Adi Shakti Maa Jagadamba. In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister said: 'On the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri, countless salutations at the feet of Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Adi Shakti Maa Jagadamba. May we pray to Maa Katyayani, bearer of the message to protect righteousness, that by her grace, all devotees may attain the courage and strength to fulfil their resolves. Jai Maa Katyayani.'

Mission Shakti: Cultural Events at Temples

Separately, from Friday onwards, temples dedicated to Goddess Durga across Uttar Pradesh have begun resonating with recitations of the Durga Saptashati and worship of Shakti. Under the state government's Mission Shakti initiative, cultural programmes have been organised in select temples from the seventh (Saptami) to the ninth (Navami) day of Sharadiya Navratri. These events feature traditional devotional songs alongside Durga Saptashati recitations, with a stated aim of raising awareness about the safety, dignity, and self-reliance of women and girls.

Government's Stated Intent

Uttar Pradesh Minister of Tourism and Culture Jaiveer Singh described Sharadiya Navratri as a festival of faith, Shakti, and cultural traditions. 'Our endeavour is to ensure that these religious events serve as a catalyst for social change, fostering awareness regarding the safety, dignity, and self-reliance of women and girls,' Singh said. This comes amid the Adityanath government's sustained push to interweave the Mission Shakti campaign — launched in 2020 to address women's safety in the state — with religious and cultural calendars. The initiative reflects a broader pattern of aligning state governance with Hindu festival cycles, a practice that has drawn both support and scrutiny since Adityanath assumed office in 2017.