Devotees across the country are observing Maha Ashtami today, marking one of the most significant days of Navratri 2025. The highlight of the day is Kumari Puja, also known as Kanya Puja, Kumarika Puja, or Kanjak Puja, a sacred ritual that honours young girls as living embodiments of Goddess Durga.
The word “Kumari” refers to unmarried girls, considered symbols of purity and divine feminine energy. Hindu scriptures recommend performing Kumari Puja on all nine days of Navratri—beginning with worshipping one girl on Day 1 and increasing the count each day until Navami. However, many devotees choose to perform the ritual specifically on Ashtami (eighth day) or Navami (ninth day).
Girls aged two to ten years are regarded as ideal participants, each representing a distinct form of the Goddess such as Kumarika, Trimurti, Kali, Chandika, Shambhavi, or Durga. The ritual is believed to bring blessings of prosperity, happiness, and spiritual growth.
How Kanya Puja Is Performed
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Cleanse the Puja space and prepare offerings such as flowers, food, incense, turmeric, and vermilion.
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Invite the girls and seat them respectfully. Wash their feet as a gesture of reverence.
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Chant mantras invoking the Goddess and apply turmeric or vermilion (tilak) to their foreheads.
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Serve traditional food like puri, chana, and halwa.
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Distribute prasad among family members and devotees.
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Conclude by gifting clothes, sweets, or money to the girls as a token of gratitude.
Muhurat for Maha Ashtami 2025
According to Drik Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi begins on September 29 at 4:31 PM and ends on September 30 at 6:06 PM. Devotees are encouraged to perform the puja within this auspicious window.
