There are four Navratris in a year that are celebrated by Hindus. The two main ones are Chaitra Navratri and Sharadiya Navratri. The other two, known as
the Gupt Navratris that are observed in Magha and Ashadha. The ongoing festival of Chaitra Navratri 2026 is dedicated to Goddess Durga's nine forms which is also known as Navdurga. "Chaitra navratri is also known as the Vasanta navratri. It usually falls in the month of March or April and marks the first day of the Hindu calendar. It is a grand nine days festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Northern India. This Navratri is celebrated during the shukla paksha of chaitra masa (hindu calendar month), which is between March and April. Maharashtrians celebrate the first day of this navratri as Gudi Padwa and in Kashmir, it is called as Navreh. This navratri is exuberantly celebrated in Northern and Western India and makes the colorful spring season all the more fascinating and divine," states the website of Art of Living. The nine forms of Goddess Durga that are worshipped during Navratri are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidatri. Chaitra Navratri which began on 19 March 2026, will conclude on 27 March 2026 with Ram Navami, which is celebrated as the birth of Lord Ram. The final three days of Navratri, which is Saptami, Ashtami and Navami, are important, and certain rituals are followed during these three days. On Ashtami and Navami the ritual of Kanya Pujan, also known as Kanjak Pujan, is observed. This is believed to bring the special blessings of Goddess Durga and fulfil one’s wishes. The Saptami tithi of Chaitra Navratri began at 4:08 pm on 24 March 2026 and will end at 1:50 pm on 25 March 2026. Based on the Udaya tithi, Saptami will be observed on Wednesday, 25 March 2026. On this day, Maa Kalaratri is worshipped. Devotees observe fasts and immerse themselves in prayers. Ashtami tithi will begin at 1:51 pm on 25 March 2026 and end at 11:49 am on 26 March 2026. According to the Udaya tithi, Maha Ashtami will be celebrated on Thursday, 26 March 2026. Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on this day. Many devotees perform Kanya Pujan on Ashtami. Kanya Pujan on Ashtami should be completed before 11:49 am on 26 March. Navami tithi will begin at 11:50 am on 26 March 2026 and end at 10:08 am on 27 March 2026. Based on the Udaya tithi, Navami will be observed on Friday, 27 March 2026. Ram Navami also falls on this day, making it especially auspicious. Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped, and the Navratri fast is concluded. Those performing Kanya Pujan on Navami should complete the ritual before 10:08 am on 27 March.
Method and significance of Kanya Pujan
In Kanya Pujan, young girls are worshipped as embodiments of Maa Durga.The rituals are as follows, though everyone has a different way of celebrating Kanya Pujan.
- Wash their feet and apply roli, kumkum, rice grains and flowers.
- Offer them prasad such as halwa, puri, kala chana, sweets and fruits.
- Give them dakshina, decorative items and gifts.
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
