UP Navratri Festivities Draw 40 Lakh Devotees In Four Days

**Sharadiya Navratri in Uttar Pradesh: A Grand Celebration of Faith, Culture, and Women’s Power**

Lucknow: In Uttar Pradesh, Sharadiya Navratri transcends being just a religious festival—it is a vibrant reflection of faith, culture, and the empowerment of women. Over the past eight years, under the stewardship of the Yogi Adityanath government, the state has not only preserved its ancient heritage but has also integrated modern facilities, providing devotees with a refreshed and enriched experience.

This Navratri, over 40 lakh devotees are estimated to have visited various Durga temples across Uttar Pradesh within just the first four days. At Vindhyavasini Dham alone, Mirzapur, an impressive 12 lakh devotees have performed darshan, with expectations to exceed one crore during the auspicious days of Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami.

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### Vindhyavasini Dham, Mirzapur: A Major Centre of Shakti Devotion

Vindhyavasini Dham, situated in Mirzapur, traditionally sees 3.5 to 4 lakh visitors daily during Navratri—several times more than on regular days. This year, thanks to the recently constructed Vindhyachal Corridor, devoted pilgrims enjoy enhanced convenience and facilities. On the last three festival days, 6 to 7 lakh devotees are expected daily.

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### Record Footfalls at Key Temples Across Uttar Pradesh

– **Vishalakshi Temple, Varanasi:** Receives 8,000 to 10,000 daily visitors during Navratri, with 20,000 to 30,000 expected on peak days. Most visitors arrive from South India. A proposed Vishalakshi Corridor aims to ease darshan.

– **Gayatri Shaktipeeth, Chauradevi:** Witnesses a surge from 7,000 daily visitors to 40,000–50,000 on Navami.

– **Kushmanda Temple, Durgakund:** Welcomes 7,000 to 8,000 daily devotees, increasing to 15,000–20,000 during the final three days.

– **Shakumbhari Devi Shaktipeeth:** Attracts 50,000 daily visitors, climbing to 1 lakh during the festival’s final days.

– **Tripur Bala Sundari Temple:** Sees 40,000 visitors daily, swelling to 1 lakh on peak days.

– **Pateshwari Devi Temple, Balrampur:** Draws 50,000 visitors daily, rising to 1–1.5 lakh during Saptami to Navami.

– **Alopi Shankari Shaktipeeth (on Ganga banks):** Receives 1.25 lakh daily visitors, with 2 to 2.5 lakh on peak days.

– **Kalyani Devi Temple:** 75,000 to 80,000 daily visitors; crosses 1 lakh on the final days.

– **Lalita Devi Temple:** Around 70,000 to 80,000 daily visitors.

Other significant temples showcasing high footfall include:

– **Tarkulha Devi, Gorakhpur:** 50,000 daily visitors; over 1 lakh on Navami.

– **Budhiya Mai, Kusmhi Jungle:** 30,000 daily; 1 lakh on peak days.

– **Hathiyaram Math & Kamakhya Devi Temple:** Initially 3,500 to 6,000; expected 5,000 to 10,000 on final days.

– **Sita Samahit Sthal, Bhadohi:** 5,000 to 7,000 daily; beautification works ongoing with a ₹2.51 crore investment.

– **Lavkush Valmiki Ashram:** Renovated at a cost of ₹80 lakh.

– **Sheetla Chaukiya Dham, Jaunpur:** 5,000 to 6,000 daily; over 70,000 during Navratri; exceeding 1 lakh on peak days.

– **Chamunda Devi Temple, Raja Mandi:** 5,000 to 6,000 daily; with improvements made by the Yogi government.

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### Massive Devotee Turnout at Other Prominent Temples

– **Kaila Mata Temple:** Attracts 15 lakh visitors.

– **Sati Mata Temple:** 2 lakh visitors.

– **Chamunda & Kali Mata Temples:** 1.5 to 2 lakh visitors.

– **Durga Mata:** 80,000 visitors.

– **Sheetla Mata:** 10 lakh visitors.

– **Pathwari & Siddhatri Mata:** 1 lakh visitors each.

– **Nari Semri Mata, Mathura:** Known for traditional rituals; approximately 3 lakh visitors annually.

– **Jhansi Temples (Panchkuiya, Kaimasan, Mahakali, Lahar Devi):** Thousands of devotees daily; the government highlights their historic significance.

– **Lehda Devi, Maharajganj:** 80,000 visitors on the first day; expected to reach 1 lakh on peak days.

– **Banelia Devi:** Around 10,000 visitors.

– **Sonai Devi:** Approximately 1,500 visitors.

– **Auraiya & Hapur:** 5,000 to 10,000 visitors daily across multiple temples.

– **Siddharthnagar (Singheswari, Palta Devi, Vatvasini, Yogmaya):** Thousands of visitors daily.

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### Government Initiatives: Enhancing Devotee Experience

The Yogi Adityanath government has invested substantially in infrastructure and facilities across temple sites. Investments cover corridors, sheds, drinking water, lighting, security, and beautification efforts designed to enhance convenience, safety, and overall experience for millions of devotees.

– **Tourism development investments:**

– ₹2.13 crore for various temple developments.

– ₹1.60 crore for Budhiya Mai temple improvements.

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### Box 1 – Vindhyachal Dham: Modern Corridor Supports Millions of Devotees

Vindhyavasini Temple in Mirzapur emerged as North India’s top attraction this Navratri. Visitor numbers soared with 4.11 lakh on day one, 3.15 lakh on day two, and 3.43 lakh on day three, versus a typical 1 to 1.5 lakh daily visitors.

The newly built Vindhyachal Corridor—featuring fort walls, expanded paths, sheds, and enhanced security—has assured smooth darshan. Vindhyachal is now recognized as a national and global pilgrimage tourism destination.

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### Box 2 – Saharanpur: Ocean of Devotion at Shakumbhari Devi and Tripur Bala Sundari Temples

Shakumbhari Devi sees 50,000 devotees daily, while Tripur Bala Sundari draws over 40,000 visitors each day. The government has installed grand gates, improved lighting, drinking water facilities, and implemented women’s safety measures under Mission Shakti, ensuring a secure environment for all devotees.

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### Box 3 – Balrampur: Pateshwari Devi Temple – A Confluence of Women’s Empowerment and Faith

The Devi Patan Temple attracts millions each year. Renovations include road widening, improved lighting and facade, laser shows, enhanced security, and rest areas for visitors. The temple symbolizes cultural revival and the empowerment of women, aligning with the government’s vision.

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### Box 4 – Mission Shakti 5.0: Grand Festival of Women’s Safety and Respect

This Navratri was not only a celebration of devotion but also of women’s empowerment. Female police personnel conducted rallies, schoolgirls were honored with administrative responsibilities, and comprehensive security measures—including the 1090 helpline and exhibitions—ensured safety and respect at temples. This reflects the government’s commitment to blending faith with strength and dignity.

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**Summary**

Sharadiya Navratri in Uttar Pradesh stands as a testimony to enduring devotion, rich cultural heritage, and women’s empowerment. Under the visionary leadership of the Yogi Adityanath government, ancient traditions are nurtured with modern amenities, making the festival an unforgettable experience for millions of devotees from across the globe.
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