In Navratri 2025, Kanya Pujan will be performed on September 30, which is the Ashtami day. On this day, worshipping the virgin form of Goddess Durga, and offering food and gifts to nine young girls (Kanyas) is considered auspicious. This ritual holds special significance for attaining wealth, health, prosperity, and family happiness.
Kanya Pujan: On the eighth day of Navratri, i.e., September 30, 2025, Kanya Pujan will be celebrated with great fervor across the country on Ashtami. In Hinduism, this tradition is observed to honor the virgin form of Goddess Durga after worshipping her nine manifestations. On this day, nine young girls are invited, their feet are washed, they are offered Halwa-Poori as Prashad (sacred food offering), and gifts are given. It is believed that this ritual brings happiness, prosperity, and positive energy into the home.
Significance of Navratri and Kanya Pujan
In Hinduism, Navratri is considered the greatest festival for worshipping Shakti (divine feminine power). During this nine-day festival, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga. After nine days of fasting and devotion, the tradition of Kanya Pujan is observed on the days of Ashtami and Navami. It is considered the most significant and sacred ritual of Navratri.
Kanya Pujan is dedicated to the virgin form of Goddess Durga. Scriptures state that young girls in their childhood are themselves symbols of Maa Durga. Therefore, by worshipping young girls and offering them food, gifts, and respect on Ashtami and Navami, Goddess Durga is pleased.
Dates for Navratri and Ashtami in 2025
In the year 2025, Sharad Navratri has already begun on September 22. This time, the Ashtami Tithi (date) falls on Tuesday, September 30. Kanya Pujan will be organized on this very day. On this day, devotees offer Halwa, Poori, and Chana to Maa Durga, and then offer the same food as Prashad to the Kanyas.
Why is Kanya Pujan performed?
Kanya Pujan is directly related to the worship of Shakti and her blessings. It is believed that performing this puja at the end of Navratri brings wealth, prosperity, health, and family happiness to devotees. It creates an atmosphere of positive energy and peace in the home.
How many Kanyas are considered auspicious to invite?
According to tradition, inviting nine Kanyas for Kanya Pujan is considered most auspicious and complete. This number symbolizes the nine forms of Maa Durga. If it is not possible to arrange for nine Kanyas, inviting three or five Kanyas is also considered auspicious.
- Nine Kanyas: Symbol of the nine forms of Maa Durga
- Three Kanyas: Represent the three main forms of Shakti (Sat, Raj, Tam)
- Five Kanyas: Symbol of the five elements (Panchatatva)
Generally, the age of the Kanyas should be between two and ten years. This age group is considered pure and unblemished.
Preparation for Kanya Pujan
Before performing Kanya Pujan, it is essential to clean the puja area at home or in the temple. Devotees should take a bath and wear new or clean clothes. After this, light a lamp in front of the idol or picture of Maa Durga and begin the puja. Offer flowers, Akshat (rice grains), Roli (vermilion), and Chandan (sandalwood paste).
Welcome and Puja Ritual for Kanyas
During Kanya Pujan, after inviting the Kanyas home, their feet are washed, and they are respectfully seated. This process is symbolically considered as serving the Divine Mother.
- Washing feet: The feet of the Kanyas are washed to purify them.
- Tilak and Puja: Turmeric, Roli, Akshat, and flowers are offered.
- Serving food: Kanyas are given Halwa, Poori, Chana, sweets, etc., as Prashad.
- Offering Dakshina and gifts: After the meal, Kanyas are given clothes, sweets, toys, or money.
After completing these rituals, blessings are sought from the Kanyas. It is believed that this method brings special blessings of Lakshmi and Durga to the home.
Spiritual Significance of Kanya Pujan
Kanya Pujan is not merely a religious ritual but also a symbol of respect for daughters in society. This tradition teaches us to honor childhood, innocence, and purity. Offering respect and food to Kanyas fosters a spirit of service and gratitude in individuals.
Auspicious Direction and Time for Puja
According to religious beliefs, performing Kanya Pujan in the East or North direction is considered auspicious. On the day of Ashtami, performing Kanya Pujan in the morning is considered best. The morning time is considered most favorable for the purity of the environment and positive energy.
What Not to Do During Kanya Pujan
- Do not treat the Kanyas disrespectfully.
- Ensure complete purity while serving food.
- Do not show off with Prashad or gifts.
- Clean up immediately after the puja.
- Social Message of Kanya Pujan
Kanya Pujan also teaches us how important it is to give equality and respect to girls in society. This tradition reminds us that power, purity, and compassion reside in a woman. Therefore, Kanya Pujan is not just a religious ritual but also a symbol of social harmony and respect.
Key Highlights for Kanya Pujan in 2025
- Date: September 30, 2025, Tuesday (Ashtami)
- Time: Morning is best
- Number of Kanyas: 9 is best, 3 or 5 is also auspicious
- Food: Halwa, Poori, Chana, sweets
- Direction: Perform puja in East or North direction
