As is the tradition every year, during the *Sharadiya Navratri*—specifically on the days of *Ashtami* and *Navami*—young girls are worshipped as manifestations of Goddess Durga; this ritual is known as *Kanya Pujan*. This year, *Ashtami* falls on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

*Navami* follows the next day, on Monday, October 19. During *Kanya Pujan*, the young girls are revered as embodiments of the Goddess, and they are offered *prasad* consisting of *halwa*, *puri*, and *chana* (chickpeas).

While most of us pay great attention to the preparation of the food for *Kanya Pujan*, we often choose to serve it in plastic or other colorful, attractive containers that might appeal to the children. But from a religious perspective, is it appropriate to serve the *prasad* in such plastic vessels? Let us explore this.

In what kind of vessels should food be served during *Kanya Pujan*?
In *Kanya Pujan*, young girls are served and honored as the child-form of Goddess Durga. Many of us use the attractive plastic plates or containers available in the market for this purpose. However, our scriptures also emphasize the significance of the vessels used.

Traditionally, *prasad* was always served on banana leaves or in metal vessels. According to Hindu beliefs, vessels made of brass or copper are considered highly pure and sacred. While some may find these metals too expensive, one should, at the very least, ensure that the food is served to the girls in steel vessels.

Just as we never use plastic containers when offering *bhog* (food) to a deity—opting instead for clean metal vessels—we should maintain a similar standard here, as the ritual is rooted in deep devotion, sanctity, purity, and respect. In the same way, when we offer *prasad* to young girls (*kanyas*), we should maintain the appropriate mindset; for at that moment, we are not merely worshipping a child, but serving the Divine Mother in the form of a young girl.

According to religious belief, offering *prasad* in an impure vessel diminishes its sanctity, and a reduction in sanctity leads to a weakening of its spiritual impact. Serving *prasad* to young girls on plastic plates can contaminate it, reducing it to nothing more than ordinary food. For this reason, it is believed that one should avoid using plastic plates when performing *kanya pujan* (the ritual worship of young girls).

In what kind of vessel should *prasad* be served to the girls?
During *kanya pujan*, if possible, the *prasad* should be served on a brass plate; if that is not available, a steel plate should be used at the very least. Such materials are considered not only pure but also suitable from a health perspective. Therefore, the next time you perform *kanya pujan*, keep in mind that *prasad* is not merely for satisfying hunger—it is a symbol of purity.

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