Patna: As Navaratri unfolds across India, Kanya Pujan—the worship of young girls as embodiments of Goddess Durga—takes centre stage on Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. Traditionally, families wash the feet of girls, adorn them, offer food, and present gifts, reflecting reverence for the divine feminine. Yet, religious customs caution against certain offerings, deemed inauspicious.
Items not to offer during Kanya Pujan:
- Sharp or pointed objects: Knives, blades, glass bangles, or pointed hairpins, which could injure children.
- Iron items: Iron is associated with the planet Saturn and considered inauspicious during this ritual.
- Old or used items: Such items are viewed as impure and unsuitable for worship.
- Black clothes: Auspicious colours such as red, yellow, pink, and orange are preferred.
- Cash alone: Giving only money is considered a mere formality; a gift should accompany it.
- Plastic items: Toys or utensils made of plastic are not considered auspicious.
By contrast, offerings of food, toys, books, steel utensils, clothes, fruits, or sweets are considered auspicious and in keeping with tradition.
This year, Kanya Pujan will be observed on Ashtami, September 30, and Navami, October 1, leading into Dussehra on October 2. While customs vary by region—with some performing the ritual on Ashtami and others on Navami—the underlying principle remains consistent: honouring the goddess in the form of young girls.
