Kanya Puja 2026: Know the correct muhurat, ritual method, and importance of worshipping girls aged 2 to 10 during Navratri
Chaitra Navratri 2026 will conclude on March 27, marking the end of the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. Devotees observe fasts and offer prayers to the nine forms of the Goddess throughout this period.
Among these, the last two days—Ashtami and Navami—hold special significance. On these days, devotees perform Kanya Puja (also known as Kanjak Puja), where young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the divine feminine.
When to Perform Kanya Puja in 2026
If observing Kanya Puja on Ashtami, the ritual should be completed before 11:48 AM on March 26, 2026.
For Navami Kanya Puja, the tithi begins at 11:48 AM on March 26 and continues until 10:06 AM on March 27. As per Udaya Tithi, devotees can perform the पूजा either on March 26 or on the morning of March 27 before 10:06 AM.
Age-wise Significance of Girls Worshipped
According to Hindu beliefs, girls between the ages of 2 and 10 are worshipped during Navratri, with each age symbolising a distinct form of the Goddess:
- 2 years – Kumari
- 3 years – Trimurti
- 4 years – Kalyani
- 5 years – Rohini
- 6 years – Kalika
- 7 years – Shambhavi
- 8 years – Durga
- 9 years – Chandika
- 10 years – Subhadra
Worshipping these forms is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
How to Perform Kanya Puja
On Ashtami or Navami, devotees begin the day with a ritual bath and prayers to Goddess Durga. Young girls are then invited respectfully to the home—traditionally nine girls, along with one young boy symbolising Bhairav.
Their feet are washed as a mark of reverence, followed by the application of tilak using roli and rice. A sacred thread is tied on their wrists, and they are offered a red chunri as a symbol of devotion.
The girls are then seated and served traditional prasad such as puri, chane, halwa, or kheer. After the meal, devotees offer gifts, clothes, or monetary tokens as per their capacity and seek blessings.
Kanya Puja is considered one of the most significant rituals of Navratri, symbolising respect for divine femininity and embodying values of gratitude, humility, and devotion.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on religious beliefs and traditional practices. There is no scientific evidence supporting these claims.