Kanya Puja 2026: Determining the Correct Dates for Ashtami and Navami The Kanya Puja ritual during Chaitra Navratri 2026 will be performed on the Ashtami and Navami days, which fall on March 26 and 27, 2026. Devotees are advised to observe the auspicious timings for these days to conduct the worship properly. The Ashtami tithi begins on March 26 at 11:48 AM, while the Navami tithi spans from 11:48 AM on March 26 to 10:06 AM on March 27. The ritual can be performed either on the morning of March 26 or before 10:06 AM on March 27, depending on the Udaya Tithi. During Chaitra Navratri, which concludes on March 27, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga through prayer, fasting, and rituals. The final two days, Ashtami and Navami, hold special significance as they are dedicated to the Kanya Puja, where young girls are revered as manifestations of the goddess. This practice is believed to invoke blessings, prosperity, and spiritual growth. The girls worshipped during the ritual are aged between 2 and 10, each representing a distinct form of the goddess. According to Hindu tradition: A 3-year-old girl symbolizes Trimurti, representing the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. A 7-year-old girl embodies Shambhavi, associated with purity and divine energy. A 9-year-old girl is linked to Chandika, the fierce form of the goddess. A 10-year-old girl represents Subhadra, the sister of Krishna and a symbol of strength and devotion. The Kanya Puja ritual involves several steps to honor the girls and seek their blessings. On Ashtami or Navami, devotees begin their day with a bath and offer prayers to Goddess Durga. They then invite young girls to their home with respect, traditionally welcoming nine girls and one young boy, who symbolizes Bhairav, the consort of Durga.#chaitra_navratri #goddess_durga #kanya_puja #ashtami #navami
