Lucknow: The states first Mission Shakti Café, under the ongoing Mission Shakti campaign for women empowerment, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Gonda on October 22 on the occasion of Ashtami. The CM will also perform the largest kanya puja as part of the Navratri celebrations in Gonda where 11,000 girls will participate. The government is planning to have this record entered into the Limca Book of Records.Gonda district magistrate Neha Sharma said that Mission Shakti Café will operate from the government-aided Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri College. These cafes are being set up in schools and colleges and will be operated by women self-help groups. This is the first Mission Shakti Café in the state, which will give the women of self-help groups an opportunity to stand on their own feet and, at the same time, provide nutritious and clean food to the students, she said.Sharma added that the kanya puja and kanya bhoj (lunch) will be organised at the Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Inter College. Poshan Potli and hygiene kits will also be provided to all the girls. The government will also distribute Nav Devi Awards to exceptional women from various fields such as police, business, education, health, agriculture, self-help groups, panchayati raj, art and NGOs.A government spokesperson added that among the 11,000 girls will be a significant number of girls from the marginalised and extremely underprivileged groups, including Dalit, tribal, and Vantangiya communities.Among other activities undertaken by the Gonda district administration is an initiative to honour remarkable women. A special wall has been painted featuring exceptional women achievers, including President Droupadi Murmu, Rani Durgavati, Rani Lakshmibai, Sarojini Naidu, Sushma Swaraj, Sania Mirza, and gymnast Deepa Karmakar. Sharma said that the personalities selected would serve as exemplary role models for everyone. Their dedication, skills, determination and relentless efforts have made a lasting impact on society. The purpose of creating this wall is to inspire future generations, encouraging them to follow in their footsteps. The inauguration of this tribute will take place during the Shakti Vandan ceremony, she said.We also published the following articles recentlyUP BJP to amplify women outreach at Navratri kanya pujan eventsThe BJP plans to organize kanya pujan (girl worship) programs during Navratri in an effort to expand its outreach to women. The program aims to demonstrate that the BJP does not discriminate based on caste or community and to show that all girls deserve respect and access to government schemes. The BJP will invite girls from all castes and communities, including Muslims, to participate. The party intends to focus on rural areas and villages to strengthen its social coalition narrative at the grassroots level. This initiative follows the recent passage of the women reservation bill in Parliament.Navratri Kanya Puja 2023 Date, Timings, and RitualsNavratri Kanya Puja, also known as Kumari Puja, is an important ritual during Navratri and Durga Puja. It involves worshipping young girls who represent various forms of the goddess Durga. The puja is performed on either Ashtami or Navami Tithi. This year, Durga Ashtami falls on October 22 and Maha Navami on October 23. By participating in Kanya Puja, devotees seek the blessings of the goddess for prosperity, happiness, and success.Ethirneechal: Krishna guards Janani and Shakti for several hoursIn the latest episodes of Ethirneechal, Shakti and Janani face challenges in their business and seek help from Krishna Meiyappan. Janani confronts Krishnan about their familys high standards and threatens legal action. Kathir and Valavan discuss their plan to push Jeevananda and Grandma. Adhira is consoled by the children at home, while Tara expresses her dislike for Karikalan. Visalakshi complains about Darshinis behavior to her mother-in-law. The episode raises questions about family loyalty and the importance of communication.

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