Chaitra Navratri 2026 Kanya Puja Ritual: The ritual of *Kanya Puja* (worship of young girls) is prescribed for the days of *Durgashtami* and *Mahanavami* during Chaitra Navratri. During this ritual, devotees observing the fast may worship several girls ranging from two to nine, according to their means and capacity. A young boy is also seated alongside them. On the day of Kanya Puja, a special *Bhog* (sacred food offering) consisting of *Puri*, *Halwa*, black chickpeas, and coconut is offered. According to religious belief, performing Kanya Puja during Navratri invokes the blessings of Goddess Durga, as these young girls are revered as embodiments of the Goddess herself. Girls aged between 2 and 9 years are invited for Kanya Puja; worshipping girls of each specific age group is believed to bestow unique blessings. Furthermore, there are distinct spiritual benefits associated with worshipping a specific number of girls, ranging from two to nine. Kanya Puja is also known as *Kumari Puja* or *Kanjak Puja*.

Chaitra Navratri Kanya Puja Auspicious Timings 2026

Auspicious Time for Kanya Puja on Durgashtami: Durgashtami falls on March 26th. On this day, you may perform Kanya Puja during the *Shobhan Yoga* period—specifically between 06:18 AM and 07:50 AM, and again between 10:55 AM and 01:59 PM. The *Rahukal* (inauspicious period) will commence thereafter.

Auspicious Time for Kanya Puja on Mahanavami: Mahanavami falls on March 27th. On this day, the *Ravi Yoga* and *Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga* periods are active right from the morning. You may perform Kanya Puja during the *Labh-Unnati Muhurat* (Auspicious Time for Gain and Progress), which falls between 07:50 AM and 09:22 AM. Following this, the *Amrit-Sarvottam Muhurat* (Most Excellent Auspicious Time) is available from 09:22 AM to 10:54 AM; performing Kanya Puja during this period also yields spiritual merit.

Kanya Puja Ritual

On the specific day designated for Kanya Puja in your household—whether it be Durgashtami or Mahanavami—wake up in the morning, complete your morning ablutions (such as bathing), and wear clean clothes.

Thereafter, take a solemn pledge (*Sankalp*) to observe the fast and perform the worship. Finally, worship Goddess Durga in strict accordance with the prescribed rituals and procedures. Subsequently, invite a group of young girls—ranging in number from two to nine (i.e., 2, 3, 4, or as many as your faith dictates)—to your home. These girls should be between the ages of two and nine years. You should also invite a young boy to accompany them.

Upon their arrival, extend a warm welcome to the girls. Greet them by garlanding them and sounding a conch shell. Provide them with suitable seats to sit upon.

First, the devotee observing the fast should pay obeisance to the girls and the boy by touching their feet. Then, wash—or cleanse—their feet using clean water.

Now, perform their worship using flowers, *Akshat* (sacred rice grains), *Roli* (red vermilion powder), and garlands. Apply a *Tilak* (sacred mark) on their foreheads. Offer a red *Chunari* (sacred scarf) dedicated to the Mother Goddess. Tie a *Raksha Sutra* or *Kalava* (protective sacred thread) around their wrists. During this ritual, you may recite mantras dedicated to Goddess Durga, the Gayatri Mantra, or similar prayers. If you do not remember the specific mantras, do not be concerned; you may simply complete the worship by chanting the holy names of Goddess Durga.

Thereafter, with deep devotion, serve them a meal consisting of *Halwa*, *Puri*, black chickpeas (*Kala Chana*), fruits, sweets, and other delicacies.

Once they have finished their meal, present them with gifts according to your means and capacity. If you wish, you may also gift them copies of the *Durga Chalisa* booklet.

As you bid farewell to the girls, offer your obeisance to them once again and request that they return to visit you the following year. In this manner, conclude the *Kanya Puja* (worship of young girls).

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