Kanya Pujan is one of the most sacred rituals performed during Navratri, especially on Ashtami or Navami. Devotees believe that worshipping young girls during this ritual symbolizes honoring the divine feminine energy of Goddess Durga. It is widely considered that Navratri पूजा remains incomplete without performing Kanya Pujan.

If you are planning to perform this ritual at home, here is a complete guide covering the required items, the correct method, and important traditions to follow.

During Navratri, young girls are regarded as the living form of Goddess Durga. Inviting them into your home and worshipping them is believed to bring blessings of prosperity, happiness, and positivity.

Devotees welcome these girls with respect, offer them food, and seek their blessings by touching their feet. This ritual is not just symbolic but deeply rooted in faith and tradition.

For Kanya Pujan, it is recommended to invite girls between the ages of 2 and 10 years. Traditionally, nine girls are invited, representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Nav Durga).

In addition to the girls, one young boy—often referred to as “Langur” or “Bhairav”—is also invited to complete the ritual.

To perform the ritual smoothly, it is important to arrange all the required items beforehand:

• Clean water (for washing feet)


• A large bowl or vessel


• Clean towel or cloth


• Asan (mat) for seating

• Kumkum (roli) for tilak


• Akshat (uncooked rice)


• Kalawa (sacred thread)


• Incense sticks and diya

• Fresh fruits


• Chunri (small scarf for offering)


• Flowers

• Halwa


• Puri


• Black chana

• Small gifts or essentials


• Money (dakshina)

Keeping all items ready in advance ensures a smooth and uninterrupted पूजा.

Before inviting the children, begin your day by performing regular Navratri पूजा at home. Many devotees also conduct a havan (fire ritual) before starting Kanya Pujan.

Once the main पूजा is completed, invite the girls and the boy into your home with respect and warmth.

Greet them respectfully and make them feel comfortable.

Using clean water, gently wash their feet. This step symbolizes purification and respect.

Seat them on clean mats or आसन in your पूजा area.

Apply kumkum and rice (tilak) on their foreheads and tie kalawa on their wrists.

Light a diya and perform their aarti while praying to Goddess Durga.

Offer traditional prasad like halwa, puri, and chana. Ensure the children are served with love and care.

After the meal, present them with gifts and some money as a token of gratitude.

Touch their feet and seek blessings, as they are considered forms of the Goddess.

• Always treat the children with utmost respect and kindness


• Ensure cleanliness in the पूजा area


• Avoid rushing through the ritual


• It is believed that one should avoid sweeping the house after Kanya Pujan on the same day

Kanya Pujan symbolizes devotion, humility, and respect for feminine energy. It reminds us of the importance of nurturing compassion and gratitude in our daily lives.

Performing this ritual with sincerity is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and divine protection to the household.

Kanya Pujan is not just a ritual but a meaningful spiritual practice during Navratri. By following the correct method and preparing all the necessary items, you can perform the पूजा with ease and devotion.

Whether done on Ashtami or Navami, the key lies in faith and respect. Celebrating this ritual wholeheartedly can fill your home with positivity and blessings.