New Delhi, India — March 24, 2026
Chaitra Navratri 2026 is nearing its conclusion, with Durga Ashtami on March 26 and Ram Navami (Maha Navami) on March 27, marking the most significant days for devotees performing Kanya Pujan.
According to astrologer Pandit Ajay Kaushik, the festival follows the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month, with no date overlap this year, ensuring a clear observance of both Ashtami and Navami rituals.
Dates for Durga Ashtami & Ram Navami 2026
- Durga Ashtami (Kanya Pujan): March 26, 2026 (Thursday)
- Ram Navami / Maha Navami: March 27, 2026 (Friday)
On Ashtami, devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri, while Navami is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri and the celebration of Lord Ram’s birth.
Kanya Pujan Muhurat 2026
Durga Ashtami Muhurat (March 26)
- 6:12 AM to 7:51 AM
- 10:56 AM to 3:32 PM
Ram Navami Muhurat (March 27)
- Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: 6:17 AM to 3:24 PM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 12:02 PM to 12:51 PM
- Ravi Yoga: Entire day
Significance of Kanya Pujan
Kanya Pujan (also called Kanjak Pujan) holds deep spiritual importance during Navratri. Young girls are worshipped as forms of Goddess Durga, symbolizing divine feminine energy.
It is believed that performing this ritual brings prosperity, removes obstacles, and fulfills wishes.
Why Ashtami & Navami Are Important
The Ashtami and Navami days are considered highly auspicious for attaining spiritual power and blessings. Devotees believe that the nine forms of Goddess Durga reside in young girls during these days.
Feeding and honoring them is seen as a powerful way to seek divine grace and positivity in life.
Kanya Pujan Mantras
- ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे नमः।
- या देवी सर्वभूतेषु कन्या रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः।।
- ॐ श्री दुं दुर्गायै नमः।।
Kanya Pujan Vidhi (Ritual Method)
- Begin with a bath and wear clean clothes
- Invite 7 or 9 young girls (and one boy as “Langur”)
- Wash their feet and seat them respectfully
- Apply tilak with roli and rice
- Offer prasad like puri, chana, and halwa
- Give gifts, dakshina, and seek blessings
- Conclude with Durga Aarti
What Devotees Should Know
This year’s Navratri follows the complete 9-day cycle without any date confusion, allowing devotees to perform rituals smoothly on their respective days.
Religious beliefs emphasize that sincere worship during these days can bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
