Kanya Pujan, also called Kanya Puja or Kanjak Puja, is one of the most cherished Hindu rituals performed during Navratri. In this ceremony, nine young girls are respectfully invited into homes and served a traditional meal.
The ritual is most commonly performed on Durga Ashtami or Maha Navami. However, this year there is confusion regarding the dates of Ashtami and Navami because the Ashtami Tithi runs from the morning of 18th October into the late morning of 19th October before Navami begins.
Let's understand when Ashtami and Navami will be observed, the shubh muhurat and the correct kanya puja Vidhi.
Kanya Pujan Date: Ashtami Or Navami?
Traditionally, the Kanya Puja is performed on both Ashtami and Navami. However, in 2026 both observances fall on Monday, October 19, in many North Indian calendars.
Navami Tithi begins later that morning, which is why both observances are associated with the same date.
Note: These are reference timings for Delhi. Families following Navami on October 20 should consult their local Panchang for the appropriate puja and fasting schedule.
Complete Step-By-Step Kanya Pujan Vidhi
To invite maximum prosperity into your home, follow this traditional procedure:
1. Invite nine young girls aged between 2 to 10 years with one young boy who represents Batu Bhairav, who acts as the protector.
2. Welcome them into your house by washing their feet with clean water or milk in a thali and drying them with a clean towel.
3. Make them sit on mats. After that, apply a roli and akshat tilak on their foreheads, followed by tying a Kalava (sacred thread) on their wrists.
4. Serve them fresh, Sattvik food, typically puri, black chana and Sooji Halwa.
5. Give them gifts, which can be red chunri, stationery, silver coins, or clothes, along with a token monetary donation (Dakshina).
6. Touch their feet to receive their blessings before they depart.
The Kanya Puja is performed on both Ashtami and Navami (Image: Pexels)
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Why Are Young Girls Worshipped During Kanya Pujan?
For Hindus, these young girls symbolically represent the nine forms of Goddess Durga and the divine feminine energy.
Which Goddess Does Each Age Represent?
Traditional Hindu customs associate different ages with different forms of the Goddess. The names may vary across regional traditions.
Age of Kanya | Named Goddess | Blessings Bestowed |
2 years | Kumarika | Eliminates poverty and stress |
3 years | Trimurti | Brings wealth, peace, and prosperity |
4 years | Kalyani | Bestows knowledge and wisdom |
5 years | Rohini | Cures health ailments |
6 years | Kalika | Destroys enemies and obstacles |
7 years | Chandika | Grants fame and success |
8 years | Shambhavi | Removes legal issues and disputes |
9 years | Durga | Overcomes impossible challenges |
10 years | Subhadra | Fulfils all cherished desires |
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Kanya Pujan is a ritual of welcoming, feeding and honouring young girls as forms of Maa Durga. Whether your family performs the puja on Ashtami or Navami, check the local Panchang before deciding the time.
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FAQs
1. Can we perform Kanya Pujan at night?
No. Kanya Pujan must strictly be conducted during daytime within the designated Shubh Muhurat window. Night rituals are generally advised against in Vedic Shastras for home worship.
2. What if I cannot find 9 girls?
If finding nine girls is not feasible, you can invite 2, 5, or 7 girls. Ensure you also serve food to a young boy representing Bhairav Baba. Alternatively, you can send Prasad and gifts to a nearby temple or school.