Durga Ashtami 2026 Date: Know Ashtami Tithi, Puja And Kanya Pujan Details

Kanya Pujan, also known as Kanjak Puja, is one of the most sacred and significant rituals performed during Sharadiya Navratri. During this auspicious ritual, young girls are worshipped as living incarnations of Goddess Durga (Shakti). Devotees offer prayers, traditional food, and gifts to seek divine blessings. Below is a complete guide covering the key details for Kanya Pujan 2026.

Kanya Pujan 2026: Important Dates and Tithi

Kanya Pujan is traditionally celebrated on either Maha Ashtami or Maha Navami during Navratri. Ashtami honours Goddess Mahagauri, while Navami is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri. Maha Ashtami is on Monday, October 19, 2026. Depending on family tradition, devotees can perform the ritual on Ashtami, Navami, or both days.

Kanya Pujan 2026: Auspicious Timings and Shubh Muhurat

According to the Delhi Panchang, Ashtami Tithi begins at 8:27 AM on October 18, 2026, and concludes at 10:51 AM on October 19. Navami Tithi starts immediately after and continues until 12:50 PM on October 20.

Ashtami Kanya Pujan Muhurat: 8:29 AM to 10:16 AM on October 19, 2026

Note: Local Panchang timings may vary slightly by region.

Step-by-Step Kanya Pujan Rituals

Kanya Pujan is performed in the morning following Durga Puja or Havan and prior to breaking the Navratri fast. Nine young girls (aged two to ten years), representing the nine forms of Navadurga, are invited along with a young boy known as Langur or Bhairav.

• Welcoming the Children: Gently wash the children’s feet with clean water and seat them comfortably.

• Applying Tilak & Offering Chunri: Apply kumkum, chandan, and akshat (unbroken rice) on their foreheads, and offer a red chunri along with flowers.

• Serving Food & Dakshina: Serve freshly prepared Sattvic bhog, followed by gifts, stationery, clothes, or monetary offerings (dakshina).

• Seeking Blessings: Touch their feet to seek blessings before they depart.

Traditional Bhog and Prasad Preparation

Before serving the young girls, the prepared meal is offered as bhog to Goddess Durga.

• Traditional Menu: Poori, Kala Chana (black chickpeas), and Sooji Halwa (semolina pudding).

• Additional Offerings: Fresh seasonal fruits, sweets, and other pure vegetarian delicacies.

Important Do's and Don'ts for Kanya Pujan

Do's:

• Maintain complete cleanliness in the house and puja area.

• Prepare fresh, hygienic Sattvic food without onion or garlic.

• Treat all guest children with immense love, warmth, and respect.

• Seek the children's blessings upon completing the meal.

Don'ts:

• Do not serve stale or leftover food.

• Avoid non-vegetarian ingredients, onions, or garlic in any dish.

• Never force children to participate if they are unwilling.

• Avoid sweeping or resuming regular chores immediately after the puja ends.

Conclusion

Kanya Pujan is a deeply reverent ritual that marks the spiritual culmination of Sharadiya Navratri by honoring the divine feminine through young girls. Performing the puja with pure devotion, adherence to auspicious muhurats, and traditional bhog brings peace, prosperity, and the abundant blessings of Goddess Durga to the household.

(Image Credits: Pinterest)

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