Calendar, Dates, and Significances of Kanya Puja in 2024
Known by many names, including Kumarika Puja or Kanjak Puja, Kanya Puja is an important Navratri ceremony that is performed, especially on Ashtami and Mahanavami. This year, it coincides with the conclusion of the Navratri fasts and Ram Navami on April 16 and April 17, respectively, as Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami.
The importance of the Kanya Puja
Kanya Puja, which entails worshiping young girls during Navratri who are said to be representations of the holy Mother, has profound spiritual significance. It is said that people who carry out this ceremony will experience success, riches, and happiness in their life.
Shubh Muhurat for the 2024 Kanya Puja
Shukla Ashtami will start at 12:11 PM on April 15 and end at 1:23 PM on April 16, according to the Drik Panchang. On April 17, the Dhriti Yoga lasts until 11:17 PM, while the fortunate Pushya Nakshatra lasts until 5:16 AM. Furthermore, the Abhijit Muhurat is scheduled to take place from 12:06 PM to 12:57 PM.
Customs of the Kanya Puja
Traditionally, devotees extend invitations to nine little girls, ranging in age from two to ten, to stay in their homes.
Cleaning and Greeting: After giving the girls’ feet a bath, they are placed on a designated platform.
Sacred Thread and Vermilion: Their foreheads are painted with vermilion, and a sacred thread (moli) is fastened around their wrists. In order to get blessings, devotees touch the girls’ feet.
Presents and Offerings: The girls are given special foods such ghee halwa, chana, poori, and kheer. In addition, they get presents like cash, bracelets, and brand-new gowns.
Significance of Nine Girls
During Kanya Puja, nine females are worshiped as representations of the goddess Durga in different forms. For those who take part in the ceremony, each girl represents a unique embodiment of heavenly energy, bestowing blessings and satisfaction onto them.
A revered custom observed during Navratri, Kanya Puja represents the adoration of feminine divinity shown in young girls. Invoking blessings and fulfilling the desires of followers, the ceremony culminates the nine-day Navratri celebrations.
