CM Yogi Leads Century-Old Vijayadashami Shobha Yatra

Continuing a centuries-old spiritual tradition of the revered Nath Panth, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Gorakshpeethadhishwar Yogi Adityanath led the grand Vijayadashami Shobha Yatra through Gorakhpur on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Clad in specialized ceremonial saffron attire, the Chief Minister performed rigorous two-hour-long Vedic rituals at the Gorakhnath Temple, offering prayers to Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath for global peace and the holistic welfare of Uttar Pradesh citizens. Following the worship, CM Yogi mounted a security-reinforced bulletproof open chariot alongside temple chief priest Yogi Kamalnath, leading a festive religious procession through the city’s heritage corridors toward Mansarovar Temple and Ramlila Maidan.

Vedic Chants and Nath Tradition: Sanctum Sanctorum Rituals at Gorakhpeeth

The religious proceedings commenced in the early morning hours with intricate ceremonies conducted in adherence to Nath monastic conventions:

• Shaktipeeth Altar Prayers: CM Yogi performed specialized prayers at the Shaktipeeth altar, offering freshly grown sacred barley sprouts nurtured during the nine days of Sharad Navratri.

• Resonant Consecration: Accompanied by head priest Yogi Kamalnath and senior seers, the Chief Minister entered the sanctum sanctorum amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns by Sanskrit Vidyapeeth acharyas and scholars, punctuated by the resonance of nagphani, conch shells, brass bells, damarus, and trumpets.

• Tribute to Nath Lineage: Beyond the deity circumambulation, CM Yogi performed ceremonial worship before the Akhand Jyoti (eternal flame), the sacrificial fire pits, Bhim Sarovar, and the statues of historic Nath masters, paying solemn respects to his spiritual forebears Mahant Avaidyanath, Mahant Digvijaynath, and Baba Gambhirnath Maharaj.

Grand Chariot Procession: Centuries-Old Shobha Yatra Traverses Gorakhpur

Steeped in civilizational heritage, the traditional procession represents a core pillar of Gorakhpur's Vijayadashami festivities:

• Procession Route and Public Greeting: Departing from the main gates of the Gorakhnath Temple complex, the chariot moved through city lanes flanked by thousands of devotees and security personnel, proceeding toward the historic Mansarovar Temple for special deity offerings.

• Coronation at Ramlila Maidan: The culmination of the procession leads to the Ramlila Maidan, where CM Yogi Adityanath presides over the symbolic Rajyabhishek (coronation) of Lord Shri Ram, Mata Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan, and Lord Hanuman.

• Public Address on Social Cohesion: The event concludes with an address by the Chief Minister, contextualizing the triumph of righteousness over injustice and emphasizing cultural integrity across the state.