Maha Navami 2025 Kanya Pujan Today: Navratri auspicious muhurat, perfect dos and don'ts you must follow for divine blessings

Kanya Pujan, also called Kumari Puja, is one of the most sacred rituals during Navratri, traditionally performed on Ashtami and Navami. In 2025, Ashtami fell on Tuesday, September 30, and Navami falls today, Wednesday, October 1. This ritual goes beyond offering food and gifts to young girls, it symbolises the worship of Shakti, the divine feminine energy, in its purest and most innocent form.

Whether you’re observing Navratri as a spiritual devotee or bringing meaningful family rituals into your home, understanding the essence of Kanya Pujan is essential.

Why Kanya Pujan is Important

In Hindu tradition, nine young girls (usually between ages 2 and 10) are worshipped as living representations of the Navadurga, the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Some families include a tenth child, usually a boy, representing Bhairava.

The ritual involves washing the children’s feet, offering them food, giving gifts, and seeking blessings. These actions remind us to honour power in its gentle, innocent form.

Observing Kanya Pujan on Navami (October 1, 2025)

Since Ashtami was yesterday, families who could not perform the ritual then can observe it today on Navami, which is equally auspicious. The key is to perform the puja with sincerity, warmth, and devotion, rather than treating it as a rushed or routine activity.

Inviting Girls Respectfully

• Invite nine girls if possible, but 5 or 7 is acceptable if nine aren’t available.
• Pre-puberty children are preferred.
• Inform parents beforehand and, if needed, assist with transport.
• Treat the ritual as a spiritual experience, not just a meal.

Maintaining Cleanliness and Sacredness

• Ensure the puja area is clean and clutter-free.
• If washing children’s feet, use clean water in a plate or bowl and provide a towel for each child.
• Light a diya, offer kumkum, akshat (rice), and flowers, and chant a simple Durga mantra or silently pray.

Serving Sattvic Food

• Offer a home-cooked Navratri meal, such as poori, chana (black gram), and halwa.
• Fruits or sweets can be included depending on dietary preferences.
• Serve with care, avoid disposables and don’t force children to eat everything.

Giving Thoughtful Gifts

• Small gifts like money, bangles, toys, notebooks, or clothes are customary.
• Focus on intention, not value.
• Present money in a clean envelope rather than casually.
• Involving Your Children
• Let your own children help with setup, serving, or observing.
• It teaches humility, gratitude, and devotion practically.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Treating it as a chore: Avoid rushing or performing it just because “everyone does it.”
• Forcing participation: Children and parents should join willingly.
• Over-the-top display: Avoid lavish gifts, elaborate setups, or excessive photography.
• Wasting food: Prepare only what’s needed and share leftovers.
• Skipping intention: Set a sankalpa before starting, focus on family peace, personal goals, or honouring feminine energy.

Kanya Pujan 2025

Kanya Pujan is not just a tradition, it’s a celebration of divine energy in its purest form. Observing it today, on Navami, October 1, 2025, with care, respect, and intention allows families to connect deeply with Navratri’s spiritual essence, while teaching children the values of humility, gratitude, and devotion.