Kanya Pujan: Ashtami or Navami? Quick Answer
Both Ashtami and Navami are correct days for kanya pujan — the choice depends on your family tradition (*kul parampara*). Families that worship their kuldevi on Ashtami do kanya pujan on Durga Ashtami, while families that complete the Navratri anushthan with a havan do it on Navami. If you have no fixed custom, Navami is often preferred because it completes the nine-day worship. In 2026, Ashtami kanya pujan is on Monday, 19 October before 10:51 AM, and Navami kanya pujan is on Tuesday, 20 October before 12:50 PM (or after 10:51 AM on 19 October in the Durga Puja tradition).
| Option | Date & time (New Delhi) | Who usually follows it |
|---|---|---|
| Ashtami kanya pujan | Mon 19 Oct, sunrise to 10:51 AM | Families with Ashtami kuldevi puja; Punjab, Himachal, parts of UP and Rajasthan |
| Navami kanya pujan (udaya tithi) | Tue 20 Oct, sunrise to 12:50 PM | Families completing Navratri with havan; much of North India |
| Navami (Durga Puja tradition) | Mon 19 Oct, after 10:51 AM | Families following Bengal/drik-based Maha Navami |
What Do the Scriptures Say?
The Devi Bhagavata Purana (third skandha) describes Kumari Puja as an essential part of Navratri. It says the Goddess resides in young girls, and worshipping them during Navratri pleases her more than any amount of offerings. The text actually recommends worshipping girls on every day of Navratri — some traditions do one girl on the first day and increase the number each day, others nine girls every day. Over time, most families have condensed this into a single kanya pujan on Ashtami or Navami.
The texts don't make Ashtami superior to Navami or vice versa. What they emphasise is:
Why Some Families Choose Ashtami
- •Kuldevi tradition: In many North Indian families, Ashtami is the day of the kuldevi puja, and kanya pujan follows naturally.
- •Durga Ashtami's importance: Ashtami is regarded as the most powerful day, the day of Mahagauri and of the slaying of Chanda-Munda.
- •Ashtami fast: Families that fast only on Ashtami break the fast after kanya pujan.
Why Some Families Choose Navami
- •Completion of the anushthan: Navami completes the nine-day puja, Saptashati path and havan; kanya pujan is the final offering.
- •Maa Siddhidatri: Navami's goddess grants all siddhis, so pujan on this day is believed to fulfil wishes.
- •Navratri parana: Families that fast for nine days do kanya pujan and then the parana.
Can You Do Kanya Pujan on Both Days?
Yes. Some families do a small kanya pujan on Ashtami and the main one on Navami, or vice versa. Others worship one or two girls every day of Navratri. There is no dosha in doing it on both days; what matters is respect and sincerity.
Kanya Pujan Muhurat 2026
Ashtami — Monday, 19 October - Ashtami ends at **10:51 AM**, so finish the pujan by then. - Best: about **6:25–7:50 AM** (Amrit choghadiya). - Good: about **9:15–10:40 AM** (Shubh choghadiya). - Avoid: Rahu Kaal, about 7:50–9:15 AM.
Navami — Tuesday, 20 October - Navami ends at **12:50 PM**, so finish the pujan by then. - Good: about **10:40 AM–12:05 PM** (Labh choghadiya) and **12:05–12:50 PM** (Amrit). - Abhijit muhurat: about **11:41 AM–12:27 PM**. - Earlier morning slots are acceptable too, if they suit the girls' schedule.
Choghadiya times are approximate for New Delhi. Check the [choghadiya](/choghadiya/jaipur) for your city.
Age of the Girls and Their Divine Names
According to the Devi Bhagavata, each age represents a particular form of the Goddess:
| Age | Name | Blessing (traditional belief) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years | Kumari | Removal of poverty and sorrow |
| 3 years | Trimurti | Dharma, wealth and fulfilment of desires |
| 4 years | Kalyani | Victory, knowledge and happiness |
| 5 years | Rohini | Freedom from disease |
| 6 years | Kalika | Victory over enemies |
| 7 years | Chandika | Prosperity and wealth |
| 8 years | Shambhavi | Success in disputes |
| 9 years | Durga | Overcoming difficult obstacles |
| 10 years | Subhadra | Fulfilment of wishes |
A boy is also invited as Batuk Bhairav (or Langur), since Bhairav is the guardian of the Goddess.
How Many Girls?
- •Ideal: nine girls and one boy.
- •If fewer are available: one, two, three, five or seven girls are also acceptable. Worship even a single girl with full devotion.
- •If no girls are available: offer the food and gifts to the Goddess, and later give them to girls at a temple, orphanage or a needy family.
Quick Kanya Pujan Steps
- 1Invite the girls a day in advance.
- 2Wash their feet, seat them, apply tilak and tie kalava.
- 3Offer chunri, flowers and do aarti.
- 4Serve halwa, puri and black chana.
- 5Give dakshina and gifts, touch their feet and seek blessings.
For the full vidhi, read Durga Ashtami 2026 and kanya pujan vidhi, and for the menu and gifts see the kanya pujan samagri list.
Summary
Kanya pujan can be done on Ashtami (19 October 2026, before 10:51 AM) or Navami (20 October 2026, before 12:50 PM) — follow your family tradition. If you have none, Navami completes the Navratri anushthan beautifully. Invite girls aged 2–10 and one boy, honour them as the Goddess, and complete the pujan before the tithi ends.
