Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comKanya Pujan
Kanya Pujan is the tradition of worshipping girls aged two to ten as forms of the Goddess, and serving them a meal, on Ashtami or Navami of Navratri. The Navratri fast is considered complete after it.
In 2026 Ashtami and Navami both fall on 19 October: Ashtami tithi lasts until 10:51 AM, then Navami begins. In 2027 Ashtami is on 7 October and Navami on 8 October. Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami of Chaitra Navratri follows the same vidhi.
Significance of Kanya Pujan
In Navratri the Goddess is worshipped not only in the image and the kalash but also in young girls, who are seen as her living form. The nine days of worship end by honouring these girls and serving them a meal.
Tradition treats girls aged two to ten as nine forms of the Goddess: a girl of two is Kumarika, three Trimurti, four Kalyani, five Rohini, six Kalika, seven Chandika, eight Shambhavi, nine Durga, and ten Subhadra.
Along with the girls, one boy is also invited and worshipped as a form of Bhairav (called Langur in many regions). Worship of the Goddess is considered incomplete without honouring Bhairav beside her.
How to Perform Kanya Pujan
The girls are respectfully invited a day before or the same morning. When they arrive, their feet are washed, they are seated on an asan, a tilak is applied and a sacred thread tied, and then they are served halwa, puri and chana.
After the meal they are given a chunari, fruit, a gift or dakshina; the family touches their feet for blessings and sees them off. Only after this do many families break the Navratri fast.
The Vidhi in Brief
Wash the girls' feet and seat them on an asan, apply a tilak, tie the sacred thread and drape a chunari. Meditating on the Goddess, serve them halwa, puri and chana, then give fruit, a gift and dakshina, touch their feet for blessings and see them off. Then break the fast.
Kanya Pujan 2026
Families who do Kanya Pujan on Ashtami can complete it before 10:51 AM; those who keep Navami can do it after. The Sandhi Puja window, about 10:27 to 11:15 AM, sits across this change. Times for New Delhi.
The Girls' Ages and Forms
Items for Kanya Pujan
- Water and a clean cloth for washing feet
- Asans for the girls to sit on
- Roli or kumkum, akshat
- Sacred thread (kalava)
- Red chunaris
- Flowers
- Halwa, puri and black chana
- Fruit and sweets
- Gifts and dakshina
- A lamp and dhoop
Kanya Pujan Vidhi
Finish the morning worship of the Goddess and keep the bhog ready, then follow these steps in order when the girls arrive.
- 1
Invite and welcome
Respectfully invite the girls and one boy. Welcome them as they arrive, bringing them in with the feeling that the Goddess herself has come.
- 2
Wash their feet and seat them
Wash their feet with water over a plate, dry them with a clean cloth, then seat them on the asans.
- 3
Tilak, thread and chunari
Apply a tilak of roli and akshat, tie the kalava on the right wrist, drape the chunari and offer flowers. Apply a tilak and tie the thread for the boy too.
- 4
Lamp and aarti
Light the lamp, meditate on the Goddess and perform aarti for the girls.
- 5
Serve the bhog
Lovingly serve halwa, puri and black chana, and let them eat their fill.
- 6
Gifts and dakshina
After the meal, give fruit, gifts and dakshina.
- 7
Blessings and farewell
Touch their feet for blessings and see them off with respect. Then break the fast.
About Kanya Pujan
Kanya Pujan, also called Kanjak or Kumari Puja, is the main rite of Ashtami or Navami in Navratri. This page gives the 2026 timing, the girls' ages and their nine forms, the samagri and the complete vidhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should Kanya Pujan be done in 2026?
On Monday, 19 October 2026. Those who keep Ashtami can do it before 10:51 AM, and those who keep Navami can do it after.
Should Kanya Pujan be on Ashtami or Navami?
It depends on family tradition; both are accepted. Many families do it on Ashtami and many on Navami.
What if nine girls cannot be found?
Worshipping nine girls is considered best, but as many as can come may be worshipped with devotion. Tradition allows even a single girl to be worshipped.
Why is a boy invited to Kanya Pujan?
The boy is seen as a form of Bhairav (Langur in many places), the Goddess's guardian. Honouring him with her makes the Kanya Pujan complete.