Kanya Pujan, also known as Kanjak Puja, is an important Navratri ritual performed on Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami. During this tradition, young girls are worshipped as a symbol of the nine forms of Maa Durga. Devotees serve them a traditional meal, offer gifts, and pray to Maa Durga for happiness, prosperity, and well-being.

Kanya Pujan Ashtami 2026 Date and Shubh Muhurat

During Sharadiya Navratri 2026, Durga Ashtami will be observed on Monday, 19 October, according to several North Indian calendars. As per the Panchang, Ashtami Tithi will begin on the morning of 18 October and end at approximately 10:51 AM on 19 October. Therefore, devotees planning Kanya Pujan on Ashtami should check their local Panchang for the appropriate puja timings.Kanya Pujan can be performed on either Durga Ashtami or Maha Navami, depending on family traditions and local Panchang timings. Devotees should confirm the correct date and auspicious muhurat according to their regional customs.

Religious Significance of Kanya Pujan

According to Hindu religious beliefs, young girls are considered a symbol of the divine energy of Maa Durga. Through Kanya Pujan, devotees express their devotion and respect for feminine energy , purity and importance of honouring girls. On the eighth day of Navratri , devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, who symbolises peace, purity and kindness . Performing Kanya Pujan on this day is an age-old tradition followed by many Hindu families as an expression of faith and devotion to Maa Durga.

Kanya Pujan Puja Vidhi

To perform Kanya Pujan on Durga Ashtami, devotees wake up early in morning , take a bath and clean the home temple . Then they worship Maa Durga and offer flowers , roli , rice and bhog as part of the rituals.

 1. Invite Young Girls : Traditionally, nine young girls are invited to the home for Kanya Pujan. Some families also invite a young boy as a symbolic representation of Bhairav.

2. Apply Tilak and Welcome them : Welcome the girls respectfully and apply tilak to their foreheads as a mark of devotion and respect.

3. Charan Puja : According to family traditions, devotees wash the girl’s feet as a gesture of reverence and respect.

4. Offer Bhog and Serve Food : Prepare and serve a traditional meal consisting of poori, halwa and kale chane ( black chickpeas)

5. Give Dakshina and Gifts : After the meal, devotees may offer the girls fruits , gifts , stationery , clothes or Dakshina (money) as a token of love and blessings.

6. Seek their Blessings : Finally, honour the girls and seek their blessings. Devotees pray to Maa Durga for happiness,peace and prosperity for their families.

 Traditional Food for Kanya Pujan

Halwa, poori and Kale Chane (black chickpeas) are the most popular traditional dishes prepared for Kanya Pujan . Many households also offer coconut , fruits and sweets as prasad depending on their family traditions. The food should be freshly prepared using clean, satvik ingredients. Devotees prepare and serve the meal with devotion and respect as part of the Kanya Pujan Tradition.

 Conclusion : Significance of Ashtami Kanya Pujan

Kanya Pujan is a meaningful Navratri tradition that represents devotion, gratitude and respect for young girls. By worshipping Maa Mahagauri and performing Kanya Pujan on Ashtami , devotees seek the blessings of Maa Durga for happiness,peace and prosperity. The most important message of this ritual is that respect for girls should not be limited to Navratri. Their dignity, safety and equal rights should be valued and protected in everyday life . Kanya Pujan reminds us to treat every girl with love , kindness and respect.