Kanya Puja, also known as Kanjak Puja, is an important ritual observed during Chaitra Navratri, where young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the divine feminine. In 2026, there is often confusion about whether Kanya Puja should be performed on March 26 or March 27.
According to the Hindu calendar, Durga Ashtami falls on Thursday, March 26, 2026, while Navami tithi will be observed on Friday, March 27, 2026. Since Kanya Puja is traditionally performed on either Ashtami or Navami, both dates are considered auspicious. However, most devotees prefer performing the ritual on Ashtami, making March 26, 2026, the more widely observed date, while others follow the Navami tradition on March 27.
The Ashtami tithi is expected to begin in the early hours of March 26 and continue until the morning of March 27, after which Navami tithi begins and extends into March 28. The most auspicious time for Kanya Puja is during the morning hours after sunrise on either day, when devotees can perform the rituals with purity and devotion. It is always recommended to follow local पंचांग or family traditions for precise muhurat.
Kanya Puja holds deep spiritual significance as it involves worshipping nine young girls, symbolizing the nine forms of Durga. In some traditions, a young boy is also worshipped as a representation of Bhairav. The ritual is performed by inviting the girls, washing their feet, applying tilak, and offering them prasad such as puri, kala chana, and halwa. Devotees also present gifts, clothes, or money and seek blessings from them.
The significance of Kanya Puja lies in honoring the divine feminine energy and expressing gratitude toward the goddess. It is believed that performing this ritual brings prosperity, happiness, and protection from negative energies. It also marks the culmination of the Navratri fast and emphasizes respect and reverence for girl children in society. Whether observed on Ashtami or Navami, the essence of Kanya Puja remains the same devotion, purity, and faith in the divine power.
