Navratri festival is here. And, believers throughout India prepare for one of its most revered rituals: Kanya Pujan. It is observed on the auspicious dates of Ashtami and Navami. It is a practice to worship the divine power in young girls.
Navratri across India sees celebration with devotion, fasting, and colorful festivities. The Ashtami and Navami of the last two days are particularly sacred for Kanya Pujan.
It is said that each little girl is a living embodiment of Maa Durga, and by worshipping them, devotees are showered with her blessings in abundance. The ceremony instills devotion, empathy, and selfless service, and creates an atmosphere of positivity, wisdom, and spiritual development.
Kanya Pujan significance:
Kanya Pujan is more than mere rituals. It is a celebration of the feminine force, dignity, and morality. By worshipping girls, devotees welcome peace, prosperity, and divine blessings into their lives.
On Ashtami, people all over remember the power of Maa Durga. Then they get ready to open their hearts for the ultimate spiritual festivities. On Navami, the ritual represents the peak of spiritual discipline, indicating the last moment of energy and power evocation.
Preparations for the ritual
On Kanya Pujan day, the believers ornament and scrub their houses with devotion. The altar of puja is prepared spotless and vibrant with flowers and religious objects laid out neatly. People then respectfully invite young girls who symbolize goddesses. Traditional offerings include halwa, puris, black channa, and sweets.
How to do the pujan?
The ritual starts with washing the feet of the guest girls with fresh water. They are then made to sit comfortably and presented with gifts along with the prepared prasad. This can be halwa, puris, sweets, and black chickpeas.
Throughout the puja, each action reinforces the reverence for the girl as the living goddess. This betrays the religious nature of Navratri. People recite Durga mantras and pray for prosperity, wisdom, and happiness in their families.
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Following the ritual worship, the devotees approach the girls with humility and gratitude to seek their blessings. The girls receive dakshina (financial offerings) as well. This giving-receiving of blessings is regarded as highly auspicious. This is when the atmosphere is full of a sense of purity and divine inspiration.
Kanya Pujan Muhurat 2025
For those interested in observing Kanya Pujan at the best time, here are the important time details for Mahashtami and Mahanavami in 2025:
Mahashtami Kanya Pujan (30th September, 2025):
First muhurat: 5:01 am – 6:13 am
Second muhurat: 10:41 am – 12:11 pm
Third muhurat: 11:47 am – 12:35 pm
Mahanavami Kanya Pujan (1st October, 2025):
First muhurat: 4:37 am – 5:26 am
Second muhurat: 5:01 am – 6:14 am
Third muhurat: 8:06 am to 2 October, 6:15 am
In honouring young girls as manifestations of Goddess Durga, communities and families feel an immense rush of positivity and harmony. The festival culminates in these holy rites, unites people, combining faith, cultural values, and celebratory spirit.