Lucknow, March 25 The Uttar Pradesh government announced an additional public holiday on March 27 for Ram Navami celebrations on Wednesday, according to an official statement.
"The decision has been taken with the aim of accommodating the increasing number of devotees visiting temples during the festival and to ensure their convenience," it said.
March 26 was already declared a holiday due to Ram Navami.
"This move is in respect of public sentiment and to facilitate the smooth observance of the festival by devotees across the state," the statement said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of Ram Navami, describing Lord Ram as the embodiment of truth, righteousness, sacrifice, dignity, and compassion.
He said Lord Ram's life provides guidance not only for individual conduct but also for society and governance, promoting justice, harmony, and responsibility. The chief minister added that the ideals of Lord Ram inspire people to remain patient, disciplined, and committed to duty even in difficult circumstances, forming the basis of the concept of 'Ram Rajya'.
Adityanath also said the festival encourages people to reconnect with cultural values and imbibe the spirit of public welfare, service, and altruism. He appealed to people to celebrate the occasion with harmony and adopt the ideals of Lord Ram in their lives.
The chief minister directed administrative and police officials across districts to ensure proper arrangements for the peaceful, safe, and orderly conduct of the festival.
He emphasised cleanliness drives at temples and religious places, along with adequate arrangements for drinking water, lighting, crowd management, and security, to facilitate devotees, according to the statement.
The chief minister also urged people to celebrate the festival with devotion, enthusiasm, and discipline, while maintaining social harmony.