Kanya Pujan 2025: Navratri is a time of devotion, colour, and rituals. Among the many practices that bring families together, Kanya Pujan (also called Kumari Puja) holds a very special place. It is performed mainly on Ashtami or Navami, which in 2025 fall on 30 September (Tuesday) and 1 October (Wednesday).
This ritual is more than offering food to little girls, it is a symbolic way of honouring the purest form of feminine energy, Shakti. To make it truly meaningful, one must understand not only how to perform it, but also the spirit behind it.
Why Kanya Pujan 2025 Matters
In Hindu tradition, young girls between the ages of 2 and 10 are seen as living forms of the Navadurga, the nine aspects of Goddess Durga. Some families also include one boy to represent Bhairava. The ritual involves washing the girls’ feet, applying tilak, offering food, and seeking blessings. Done with devotion, it is a reminder to respect innocence and strength in their purest form.
Dos for Kanya Pujan 2025
Pick the Right Day
You may perform Kanya Pujan on either Ashtami or Navami. Both days are considered equally sacred. Choose whichever suits your family, but plan with care rather than rushing.
Invite the Girls with Respect
Traditionally, nine girls are invited, but five or seven can also be chosen. Inform their parents in advance and ensure the children feel comfortable. It is not just about food, it is about giving love and respect.
Keep the Space Pure
Cleanliness is key. Prepare the area neatly, arrange water and towels if you are washing their feet, and keep flowers, kumkum, and a diya ready. Even a short prayer or mantra makes the ritual more heartfelt.
Serve Simple Sattvic Food
The traditional offering is poori, chana (black gram), and halwa. You may also serve fruits or sweets. Make sure food is freshly cooked at home, served with care, and given in the right spirit. Don’t insist the children eat more than they want.
Offer Thoughtful Gifts
It is customary to give small tokens like notebooks, clothes, bangles, toys, or even a little money. The thought matters more than the cost. If giving cash, place it in a clean envelope.
Involve Your Own Children
Let your children help in arranging the puja, serving food, or simply observing. It teaches them humility, respect, and gratitude.
Don’ts for Kanya Pujan
Don’t Do It Half-Heartedly
Treating it as a box to tick reduces its value. If it cannot be done with devotion, it is better not to force it.
Don’t Pressure Anyone
If children or their parents are uncomfortable, do not insist. Even one girl worshipped with sincerity carries great significance.
Don’t Turn It Into a Show
Grand decorations, flashy gifts, or photo sessions may overshadow the real essence. Keep it simple and genuine.
Don’t Waste Food
Prepare only what is needed. If there is extra, share it with neighbours or those in need. Throwing away prasad is considered disrespectful.
Don’t Forget the Intention
Before starting, take a quiet moment to set your sankalpa (intention). It could be a prayer for peace, gratitude for blessings, or a wish for strength. This inner devotion gives the ritual its power.
Kanya Pujan 2025: A Ritual of Respect and Gratitude
Kanya Pujan is not just about tradition; it is about celebrating the divine feminine energy that exists in every home and every heart. When done with sincerity and love, it transforms from a ritual into a beautiful reminder of humility, respect, and devotion during Navratri.
This ritual is more than offering food to little girls, it is a symbolic way of honouring the purest form of feminine energy, Shakti. To make it truly meaningful, one must understand not only how to perform it, but also the spirit behind it.
Why Kanya Pujan 2025 Matters
In Hindu tradition, young girls between the ages of 2 and 10 are seen as living forms of the Navadurga, the nine aspects of Goddess Durga. Some families also include one boy to represent Bhairava. The ritual involves washing the girls’ feet, applying tilak, offering food, and seeking blessings. Done with devotion, it is a reminder to respect innocence and strength in their purest form.
Dos for Kanya Pujan 2025
Pick the Right Day
You may perform Kanya Pujan on either Ashtami or Navami. Both days are considered equally sacred. Choose whichever suits your family, but plan with care rather than rushing.
Invite the Girls with Respect
Traditionally, nine girls are invited, but five or seven can also be chosen. Inform their parents in advance and ensure the children feel comfortable. It is not just about food, it is about giving love and respect.
Keep the Space Pure
Cleanliness is key. Prepare the area neatly, arrange water and towels if you are washing their feet, and keep flowers, kumkum, and a diya ready. Even a short prayer or mantra makes the ritual more heartfelt.
Serve Simple Sattvic Food
The traditional offering is poori, chana (black gram), and halwa. You may also serve fruits or sweets. Make sure food is freshly cooked at home, served with care, and given in the right spirit. Don’t insist the children eat more than they want.
Offer Thoughtful Gifts
It is customary to give small tokens like notebooks, clothes, bangles, toys, or even a little money. The thought matters more than the cost. If giving cash, place it in a clean envelope.
Involve Your Own Children
Let your children help in arranging the puja, serving food, or simply observing. It teaches them humility, respect, and gratitude.
Don’ts for Kanya Pujan
Don’t Do It Half-Heartedly
Treating it as a box to tick reduces its value. If it cannot be done with devotion, it is better not to force it.
Don’t Pressure Anyone
If children or their parents are uncomfortable, do not insist. Even one girl worshipped with sincerity carries great significance.
Don’t Turn It Into a Show
Grand decorations, flashy gifts, or photo sessions may overshadow the real essence. Keep it simple and genuine.
Don’t Waste Food
Prepare only what is needed. If there is extra, share it with neighbours or those in need. Throwing away prasad is considered disrespectful.
Don’t Forget the Intention
Before starting, take a quiet moment to set your sankalpa (intention). It could be a prayer for peace, gratitude for blessings, or a wish for strength. This inner devotion gives the ritual its power.
Kanya Pujan 2025: A Ritual of Respect and Gratitude
Kanya Pujan is not just about tradition; it is about celebrating the divine feminine energy that exists in every home and every heart. When done with sincerity and love, it transforms from a ritual into a beautiful reminder of humility, respect, and devotion during Navratri.
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