A simple guide to Kanjak Puja: What, When, How to honor the Divine Feminine During Navratri
What is Kanjak Puja
Navratri is a time of devotion, fasting, and celebration. Among its many rituals, Kanjak Puja (also called Kanya Pujan or Kumari Puja) stands out as one of the most cherished. It’s a tradition that honors the divine feminine energy by worshipping young girls, seen as living embodiments of Goddess Durga. It is celebrated on Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri.
The Significance of Kanjak Puja
Hindu scriptures say that young girls (baby-pre pubescent) embody the goddess in her purest form, strength, and divinity. By worshipping them, devotees symbolically invite Maa Durga into their homes.
Plus One
It’s also common to include one young boy (called Lankara, Langur, or Bhairav) in the ritual, symbolizing the presence of Lord Shiva’s fierce protector who accompanied the goddess. Together, this tradition teaches us to value, respect the feminine spirit, and balance divine energies.
Step-by-Step: How to Perform Kanjak Puja
Here’s a simple guide if you’re celebrating at home:
- Invite the children
- Traditionally, an odd number of girls are invited (3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 girls (ages 2–prepubescent) are invited, along with 1 young boy.
- Wash their feet
- As they arrive, lovingly wash their feet with water, turmeric, or sandalwood paste. This act is symbolic of reverence, humility, and cleansing.
- Apply tilak and tie mauli
- Place a red kumkum tilak on their forehead and tie a red sacred thread (mauli) on their wrist as a blessing.
- Offer prasad
- The traditional prasad includes:
- Halwa (suji/semolina)
- Kala chana (spiced black chickpeas)
- Puri/Poori
- The traditional prasad includes:
- Seek blessings
- Touch their feet and seek blessings, acknowledging their embodiment of the goddess.
- Give dakshina and gifts
- Offer a small token of appreciation: coins, money, fruits, or thoughtful gifts.
- Share the meal together (optional)
- End the puja by serving the meal with warmth and enjoying it together.
Why Kanjak Puja Matters Today
Beyond ritual, Kanjak Puja is about gratitude, humility, and respect for women and children. It’s a reminder to celebrate strength in all its forms, to see divinity in everyday life, and to carry forward traditions that bind families and communities together.
My Memories
The aroma of halwa simmering in, me waiting eagerly for my prashad, and the joy of my parents and aunties tying a bright red thread on my little wrists, these are memories that have lasted a lifetime. Kanjak Puja isn’t just a ritual; it’s an experience that keeps faith, family, and tradition alive.
If you’re looking for exact dates & puja timings, this is the site I use and I enter in my zip code.
Jai Mata Di!
Nisha! Thank you so much for doing this. I had heard of this but really started paying more attention to it after your posts and this guide is super helpful for me to do it tomorrow! Is it okay to only do the puja with my daughter and son? Or it has to be a minimum of 3 girls?