Durga Puja: Don’t Forget These Essentials for Kanya Pujan; Perform These 2 Tasks After Feeding the 9 Young Girls on Ashtami-Navami
During Navratri, the ritual of 'Kanya Pujan' (worship of young girls) holds special religious significance on the days of Ashtami and Navami. In this tradition, young girls are revered as manifestations of Goddess Durga; they are worshipped, offered a meal, and presented with gifts according to one’s capacity. While many families perform Kanya Pujan on Ashtami, others observe this tradition on Navami. According to religious beliefs, it is also customary to break one’s fast (paran) after the Kanya Pujan.
Typically, nine young girls are invited for the meal, though, depending on individual arrangements, it is also common to invite five or seven girls. If you are planning to perform Kanya Pujan this year, it is advisable to have all the necessary ritual items prepared in advance. It is believed that a ritual performed with devotion, respect, and adherence to prescribed procedures brings happiness, peace, and prosperity to the home.
Prepare the Puja Thali, Tilak, and Seating Arrangements Beforehand
For Kanya Pujan, begin by arranging a plate or vessel filled with clean water, a fresh cloth to wipe the girls' feet, and mats (aasans) for them to sit on. Keep roli (vermilion) and akshat (unbroken rice grains) for applying a tilak. In keeping with the tradition, you may also prepare a kalava (sacred thread) and a chunri (a ceremonial scarf/veil) to place over the girls' heads.
Additionally, arrange for fruits, a coconut, and other prasad (offerings). It is essential to ensure cleanliness and the comfort of the young girls throughout the ritual. Having all the items gathered in one place beforehand ensures that nothing is missing during the worship, allowing the proceedings to be carried out in an organized manner.
Offer Halwa, Puri, and Black Chickpeas, Along with Useful Gifts
Traditionally, the meal offered during Kanya Pujan consists of suji ka halwa (semolina pudding), puri (deep-fried flatbread), and kale chane (black chickpeas). When preparing the food, ensure strict hygiene and high quality. After the meal, you may offer dakshina (a token gift) and presents to the young girls, according to your means. These could include items for personal adornment—such as bindis, bangles, and combs—or educational supplies like notebooks, pencils, and pens.
Fruits and other useful items may also be gifted. The monetary value of the gifts is not what matters most; rather, it is the sentiment of respect and affection shown toward the girls. Choose items according to your convenience, and do not feel pressured to incur unnecessary expenses.
The Tradition of Preparing a Special Potli for the Girls
In certain religious traditions, there is a practice of gifting a small potli (bundle) to the girls on Ashtami or Navami. This bundle is prepared by placing rice, a coin, durva (sacred grass), a piece of turmeric, and a flower inside a clean piece of cloth.
It is believed that such an offering symbolizes devotion to Goddess Durga and serves as a prayer for the happiness and prosperity of the family. If you wish to follow this tradition, prepare the contents for the potli in advance. Keep in mind that this is a practice rooted in religious faith and can be observed according to your own level of devotion and available resources.
The Tradition of Respectfully Seeking Blessings Offering and Gifts
Bidding the girls farewell with respect after they have been fed and given gifts is an essential part of Kanya Pujan. According to traditional custom, family members touch the girls' feet to seek their blessings and accompany them to the doorstep. Throughout this process, it is important to treat the girls with the utmost respect and ensure they feel comfortable.
The purpose of the ritual is not merely to offer items, but to express genuine respect and affection. In religious belief, observing this tradition with sincerity is considered a way to express devotion to Goddess Durga.
In Kanya Pujan, Prioritize Cleanliness, Respect, and Sincerity
When preparing for Kanya Pujan, it is helpful to create a list of all the necessary items in advance. This may include a puja (worship) tray, clean water, roli (vermilion), akshat (unbroken rice grains), kalava (sacred thread), a mat or seat (asan), a chunri (ceremonial cloth/veil), fruits, a coconut, prasad (offering), dakshina (a token gift/offering), and other presents. Prepare quantities of halwa, puri, and black chickpeas (kale chane) according to the number of young girls (kanyas) invited.
It is also important to consider the preferences, comfort, and health of the children during the puja. If it is not possible to arrange all these items, perform the puja simply, according to your means. In religious traditions, devotion and respect are paramount; therefore, it is better to conduct the event with sincerity and simplicity rather than focusing on ostentation or unnecessary expenditure.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on religious beliefs and traditional practices. Puja procedures and customs may vary depending on the family, region, and specific traditions. Do not interpret any religious belief as a guarantee of a specific outcome.