Mumbai: Chaitra Navratri holds significant religious and cultural importance in Hinduism, marking the beginning of a nine-day celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga. In 2025, Chaitra Navratri will commence on Sunday, 30 March, a day considered particularly auspicious. According to Hindu belief, when Navratri begins on a Sunday, the Goddess arrives on an elephant, which is seen as a highly favourable omen. It is believed to bring immense prosperity and blessings to devotees.
Interestingly, this year’s Navratri will be observed over eight days instead of the usual nine, due to the loss (Kshaya) of the Panchami Tithi as per the Hindu calendar (Panchang). This has led to some confusion regarding the date of Kanya Pujan – the symbolic worship of young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
When to Perform Kanya Pujan?
Due to the shortened Navratri, there is a divide among devotees – some plan to observe Kanya Pujan on Ashtami (eighth day), while others will do so on Navami (ninth day). As per the 2025 schedule, Navratri will conclude on 6 April. Accordingly:
- Ashtami Kanya Pujan will be observed on 5 April (Saturday)
- Navami Kanya Pujan will be held on 6 April (Sunday)
Kanya Pujan Vidhi
Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing Kanya Pujan during Chaitra Navratri:
- Wake up early and take a bath to begin the day with purity.
- Prepare traditional offerings – halwa, puri, and black chana (chickpeas).
- Perform the ritualistic worship (puja) of Goddess Durga with devotion.
- Invite nine young girls (kanyas) and one young boy (symbolising Batuk Bhairav) to your home.
- Wash their feet and seat them respectfully on clean mats or cushions.
- Apply kumkum and akshat (rice grains) tilak on their foreheads and tie mauli (sacred thread) on their wrists.
- Light a ghee lamp and perform aarti for all the children.
- Serve the prepared prasad and offer gifts or dakshina as per your capacity.
- Conclude by seeking their blessings by touching their feet.
This sacred tradition is believed to invoke the divine presence of the Goddess herself and is an integral part of Navratri celebrations across India.
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not independently verify the religious significance of these rituals.)
Chaitra Navratri 2025 begins 30 March with an 8-day schedule. Confused about Kanya Pujan? Here’s the correct date and complete vidhi for Ashtami and Navami worship. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
