Kanya Puja on Navratri 2021: Significance, Puja Vidhi and All You Need to Know about Kanya Pujan

Navratri is the auspicious nine-day festival devoted to nine forms of Goddess Durga and one of the significant rituals of this festival is Kanya Pujan. Little girls are worshipped during Navratri as it is believed that Goddess Durga resides in them. Going by the legends, Goddess Durga was incarnated as a young girl to defeat the demon Kalasura. Hence, the little girls are worshipped as they are believed to be the universal creative forces. Kanya Puja or Kanjak Puja is mainly performed on the eighth or ninth day of Navaratri where nine girls are worshipped as nine forms of Goddess Durga i.e. Navadurga.

Read: Navratri 2021, Day 1: Date, Colour, Mata Shailputri Mantra, Puja Vidhi, Ghatasthapana, Mantras, Timings and Significance

KANYA PUJA VIDHI AND SIGNIFICANCE

Devotees welcome the girls into their homes and are made to sit on a pedestal after washing their feet. After this, a holy thread known as Kalawa is tied around their wrists and red kumkum is applied on their forehead. They are offered a special bhog comprising of puri, kala chana, coconut and Halwa. After the bhoj, devotees offer gifts like red dupatta, new clothes, bangles and money. The ritual of Kanya Pujan is concluded by touching the feet of little girls and seeking their blessing.