Sharad Navratri: Kanya Pujan on Ashtami, Oct 18, or Navami, Oct 19; muhurat timings
Families may hold Kanya Pujan on Mahashtami, October 18, or Mahanavami, October 19, depending on their family custom; the auspicious timings for both days are given.
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Kanya Pujan is considered an act of great merit during Sharad Navratri. This year the question is whether to hold it on October 18 or October 19. The dates, muhurat timings and method of worship for both days are given here.
Girls aged two to ten are worshipped as the living form of Goddess Durga. It is believed that doing so brings happiness and prosperity to the home and keeps the blessings of Maa Bhavani through the year. During the puja, young girls are regarded as the form of Jagdamba and are served.
In this ritual, nine young girls are invited, representing the nine forms of the goddess. The nine days of fasting and devotion conclude with this Kanya Pujan.
According to astrology, the last two days of Navratri, Ashtami and Navami, are considered highly sacred. Mahashtami (Durgashtami) falls on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Mahanavami, the day of Siddhidatri puja, falls on Monday, October 19, 2026.
Families that observe the puja on Ashtami according to their family tradition can hold Kanya Pujan on October 18. Devotees who break their fast on Navami will hold the puja on October 19, 2026.
On Mahashtami, Sunday, October 18, 2026, the auspicious morning muhurat is from 7:45 am to 9:10 am. The Abhijit muhurat will be from 11:42 am to 12:48 pm.
On Mahanavami, Monday, October 19, 2026, the auspicious morning muhurat is from 9:12 am to 10:40 am. The Abhijit muhurat will be from 12:05 pm to 1:35 pm.
According to the scriptures, girls aged 2 to 10 are worshipped as the living form of the goddess. There is also a tradition of inviting and worshipping a young boy as Bhairavnath or Langura.
The simple method of worship is as follows. First, the girls are welcomed into the home with respect. Their feet are then washed with clean water or milk and they are seated on a mat.
Next, a tilak of kumkum and akshat is applied on the forehead and a red mauli, or kalava, is tied on the hand. Puri, chana and semolina halwa are served with affection as the goddess's prasad.
After the meal, a red chunari is draped over them and fruit, gifts and dakshina are given according to one's means. Finally, the feet of all the girls are touched to seek their blessings. One important point is that Kanya Pujan should be avoided during Rahukaal.
