The most important ritual after the Navratri fast is Kanya Pujan. According to local traditions and beliefs, devotees invite young girls to their homes on Ashtami or Navami, serve them food, and seek their blessings. The ritual begins with washing the feet of the girls, followed by offering them a meal. Afterward, they are bid farewell with respect, waving the chunni of Maa Durga, touching their feet, and giving them gifts and dakshina.
On the last fast of Navratri, worshipping young girls as manifestations of the goddess is called Kanya Pujan or Kanjak. This sacred tradition is believed to invoke the divine blessings of Maa Durga.
The Significance of Kanya Pujan
In Kanya Pujan, girls aged 2 to 10 years are invited and worshipped as different forms of Maa Durga. They are offered a traditional meal consisting of puri, halwa, chana, and coconut. It is believed that Maa Durga is quickly pleased by this ritual and blesses the household with happiness, prosperity, and protection.
Avoid These Mistakes in Kanya Pujan
Many people perform Kanya Pujan with great devotion but may unknowingly make mistakes that can offend the goddess. To ensure that you receive Maa Durga’s blessings, avoid these common errors:
Do Not Give These Gifts to Girls
During Kanya Pujan, avoid gifting the following items, as they are considered inauspicious:
- ❌ Plastic items or steel utensils
- ❌ Glass items (fragile and breakable)
- ❌ Sharp objects like knives, scissors, or swords
- ❌ Black-colored clothes, handkerchiefs, or accessories (black is associated with negativity in Hindu traditions)
How to Perform Kanya Pujan Properly
To perform Kanya Pujan correctly, follow these steps:
- Welcoming the Girls: When the girls arrive, first wash their feet as a mark of respect.
- Applying Tilak: Apply kumkum or chandan tilak on their forehead and make them sit comfortably on a designated seat.
- Food Offerings: Serve them a meal of puri, halwa, chana, and coconut—strictly avoiding onion and garlic.
- Respectful Farewell: After the meal, give them dakshina (money), gifts, and sweets before touching their feet and bidding them farewell.
- Avoid Immediate Cleaning: Do not clean the house immediately after Kanya Pujan, as it is believed that this could wash away the divine blessings.
Best Gifts to Give During Kanya Pujan
Instead of inauspicious items, you can offer: ✅ Cosmetics (bangles, kumkum, bindi, sindoor, small mirrors, etc.) ✅ Educational items (notebooks, pens, pencils, geometry boxes, storybooks) ✅ Fruits and sweets ✅ Teddy bears or soft toys ✅ Money (Dakshina) wrapped in a red cloth for prosperity
Final Thoughts
Performing Kanya Pujan with devotion and sincerity brings the divine blessings of Maa Durga into your home. By ensuring that you follow the right rituals and avoid mistakes, you can invite prosperity, happiness, and protection for your family. May Maa Durga’s grace always be upon you!
