{
  "id": 15564270,
  "title": "Kanya Puja During Navratri: Meaning, Significance And Traditions Explained",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/kanya-puja-during-navratri-meaning-significance-and-traditions",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T05:02:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/kanya-puja-during-navratri-meaning-significance-and-traditions-explained"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kanya Puja, also called Kanya Puja or Kumari Puja, is a significant Hindu ceremony performed during Navratri, specifically on Ashtami and Navami, though some people observe it on Saptami or other days in their households. This ritual involves venerating young girls as representations of Goddess Durga and requesting their blessings. It represents the divine feminine energy, purity, innocence, and the strength of Shakti. For 2026, Shardiya Navratri began on October 11 and ended on October 20. Here's how the ritual is carried out. #WATCH | Haridwar, Uttarakhand: Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev conducts Kanya Pujan during the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. The term 'Kanya' means a young girl, and 'Puja' denotes worship. In this practice, devotees invite young girls, typically aged between two and ten, to their homes and worship them as embodiments of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navdurga. Often, nine girls are invited to symbolize the nine manifestations of the Goddess. However, the number of girls and particular customs can vary based on regional traditions and individual family beliefs. Kanya Pujan is mainly carried out on the final day of Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri. In the past, some people received VIP treatment on this day. This is the day when devotees who observe a nine-day fast conclude their fast, performing havan, puja, and feeding the young girls, known as Kanjak or Kanya Pujan. Navratri 2026's ninth day color is peacock green, symbolizing the final day and inspired by Bollywood fashion. How is Kanjak Puja conducted? The ritual commences by welcoming the girls into the home and washing their feet as a gesture of respect. Devotees then apply a tilak to their foreheads, tie sacred threads in certain traditions, and offer prayers. A special meal is prepared, typically comprising puri, kala chana, and halwa. The girls partake in the food and receive gifts, fruits, sweets, or money as a sign of devotion. Finally, devotees seek their blessings before bidding them farewell.",
  "summary": "Kanjak Puja, also known as Kanya Puja or Kumari Puja, is an important Hindu ritual observed during Navratri, particularly on Ashtami and Navami. However, some follow the ritual on Saptami or other days of Navratri, depending on one's observance and household rituals. Kanjak Puja involves worshipping young girls as manifestations of Goddess Durga and seeking their blessings. It symbolises the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}