The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday announced that it would extend the ‘Ram Navami’ holiday by one more day. Now, along with March 26, 27th will also be observed as a public holiday.
According to the government, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took this decision keeping in mind the increasing number of devotees who will be visiting temples across the state as well as public sentiment. The consecutive two-day holiday will provide convenience to devotees for performing rituals and worship and help in managing arrangements more effectively, it said.
Every year, a large number of devotees visit major religious places in the state during Ram Navami. This year as well, considering the possibility of increased crowds in temples across the state, including Ayodhya, the decision to extend the holiday has been taken. The additional holiday will also help in organising traffic, security, and other arrangements more efficiently, officials said.
On the occasion, considered as the day Lord Ram was born, a big fair is organised in Ayodhya every year. Besides, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has also planned several events at the Ram temple in Ayodhya on Thursday and Friday. Heavy deployment of police force as well as traffic diversions on roads in adjoining districts leading to Ayodhya will be in place, sources said.
The day of Ram Navami also happens to be the concluding day of the nine-day Navratri festival. Significant temples of Goddess Durga across the state witnessed huge crowds during these nine days, with the maximum expected on Navami.
Bhupendra Pandey is the Resident Editor of the Lucknow edition of The Indian Express. With decades of experience in the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s journalistic landscape, he oversees the bureau’s coverage of India’s most politically significant state. His expertise lies in navigating the complex intersections of state governance, legislative policy, and grassroots social movements. From tracking high-stakes assembly elections to analyzing administrative shifts in the Hindi heartland, Bhupendra’s reportage provides a definitive lens on the region's evolution.
Authoritativeness He leads a team of seasoned reporters and investigators, ensuring that The Indian Express’ signature "Journalism of Courage" is reflected in every regional story. His leadership is central to the Lucknow bureau’s reputation for breaking stories that hold the powerful to account, making him a trusted figure for policy analysts, political scholars, and the general public seeking to understand the nuances of UP’s complex landscape.
Trustworthiness & Accountability Under his stewardship, the Lucknow edition adheres to the strictest standards of factual verification and non-partisan reporting. He serves as a bridge between the local populace and the national discourse, ensuring that regional issues are elevated with accuracy and context. By prioritizing primary-source reporting and on-the-ground verification, he upholds the trust that readers have placed in the Express brand for nearly a century. ... Read More
