Ashtami and Navami Dates: The festival of Chaitra Navratri is now drawing to a close. However, before its conclusion, there is a prescribed ritual known as *Kanya Pujan* (worship of young girls). According to the scriptures, *Kanya Pujan* is performed specifically on the final two days of Navratri—the Ashtami and Navami *Tithis* (lunar dates)—and is regarded as a direct form of worshipping the Goddess herself.

It is believed that Goddess Durga resides within young girls; therefore, by worshipping them, devotees bring their fasts to completion and seek the blessings of the Goddess. However, confusion often arises regarding the observance of Ashtami and Navami when these lunar dates coincide on the same calendar day. In light of this, let us determine exactly when Ashtami and Navami will be celebrated during Chaitra Navratri in the year 2026.

When is Ashtami in 2026?

This year, the Ashtami *Tithi* of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Chaitra begins on March 25, 2026, at 1:50 PM.
This *Tithi* is considered to conclude on March 26 at 11:48 AM.
Based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the lunar date prevailing at sunrise), Ashtami during Chaitra Navratri will be observed on Thursday, March 26, 2026, and *Kanya Pujan* will be performed on this day.

Auspicious Timings for Ashtami *Kanya Pujan*

On the day of Ashtami, March 26, *Kanya Pujan* may be performed between 6:18 AM and 7:50 AM. Additionally, the period from 10:55 AM to 3:31 PM is also considered an auspicious time for this ritual.

When is Navami in 2026?

According to the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), the Navami *Tithi* of the *Shukla Paksha* in the month of Chaitra begins on March 26, 2026, at 11:48 AM. This *Tithi* will conclude on March 27, 2026, at 10:06 AM. Since Lord Rama was born during the *Abhijit Muhurat* (an auspicious time window), the festival of Rama Navami will be celebrated on March 26, 2026. However, *Kanya Pujan* for Navami may be performed up until 10:06 AM on March 27, 2026. During this period, the *Paran* (breaking of the fast) for Chaitra Navratri 2026 will also take place on March 27th.

Auspicious Timings for *Kanya Pujan* on Navami

According to astrologers, highly auspicious alignments are forming for *Kanya Pujan* (worship of young girls) on March 27th. On this specific date, the *Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga* will coincide with the *Ravi Yoga*.

Abhijit Muhurat: 12:02 PM to 12:51 PM
Labh-Unnati Muhurat: 07:50 AM to 09:22 AM

Ram Navami Puja Timings

Ram Navami falls on March 26th. On this day, the period from 11:13 AM to 1:41 PM is considered the auspicious time for worshipping Lord Rama. Furthermore, 12:27 PM marks the *Madhyahna Bela* (midday moment), which is regarded as the actual time of Lord Rama's birth.

Procedure for Breaking the Navratri Fast (*Vrat Paran*)

On *Mahanavami*, perform the worship of Goddess Durga with proper rituals and rites. Offer *Halwa*, *Puri*, and black chickpeas (*Kala Chana*) as *Bhog* (sacred food offering) to the Goddess. At this time, also set aside a coconut to be distributed as *Prasad*. Thereafter, serve food to young girls (*Kanyas*). Following this, touch the feet of all the girls to seek their blessings, and offer donations to the needy according to your means. Finally, seek forgiveness for any errors or omissions that may have occurred during the worship and fasting, and pray for happiness and prosperity.

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