Kanya Puja 2026 Muhurat: During Navratri, Kanya Puja is performed on the days of Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami. Due to a lack of time, most people are unable to perform Kanya Puja every day from Pratipada to Mahanavami; however, you may perform it daily throughout Navratri if you wish. Those intending to perform Kanya Puja on Durga Ashtami or Mahanavami should arrange the necessary materials in advance and be aware of the auspicious timing (muhurat). Young girls aged between 2 and 10 years are considered to embody the various forms of Goddess Durga. During Kanya Puja, you may worship between 1 and 9 young girls, and optionally, one young boy. Performing Kanya Puja brings the blessings of Goddess Durga.

What are the dates for Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami?
According to the Panchang (Hindu calendar), the Ashtami Tithi of Navratri begins at 8:27 AM on Sunday, October 18, and continues until 10:51 AM on Monday, October 19. Since the 'Udaya Tithi' (the Tithi prevailing at sunrise) falls on October 19—and because October 18 coincides with Saptami—Durga Ashtami is not observed on the 18th. Therefore, Durga Ashtami falls on Monday, October 19.
The Mahanavami Tithi begins at 10:51 AM on October 19 and lasts until 12:50 PM on October 20. This year, it is considered best to observe Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami on the same day. Those who choose to celebrate Navami on October 20 may also perform Kanya Puja on that day.

Kanya Puja Muhurat 2026

On October 19, an auspicious time (muhurat) for Kanya Puja is between 9:15 AM and 10:40 AM. During this window, you will find an excellent 'Choghadiya' (auspicious time segment) for the ritual. If, for any reason, you are unable to perform the Kanya Puja during this period, you may choose a time that is convenient for you. Many people even look for 'Rahu Kaal' (an inauspicious period) during this time. But what significance could 'Kaal' (time) or 'Rahu Kaal' possibly hold before the Goddess herself, who is the primordial power (Adishakti) and Mahakali?

On October 19, the 'Labh-Unnati' (auspicious for gain and progress) *muhurta* will be from 02:57 PM to 04:22 PM, and the 'Amrit-Sarvottam' (the most auspicious/nectar-like) *muhurta* will be from 04:22 PM to 05:48 PM. Additionally, the 'Char-Samanya' (general/favorable) *muhurta* will be from 01:31 PM to 02:57 PM.

Those who wish to celebrate Maha Navami on October 20 may perform 'Kanya Puja' (worship of young girls) during the 'Ravi Yoga' period, which will persist throughout the day. On that day, you may perform Kanya Puja between 09:15 AM and 01:31 PM. During this timeframe, the 'Char-Samanya' *muhurta* will be from 09:15 AM to 10:40 AM, the 'Labh-Unnati' *muhurta* from 10:40 AM to 12:06 PM, and the 'Amrit-Sarvottam' *muhurta* from 12:06 PM to 01:31 PM.

Items required for Kanya Puja:
Red *chunris* (veils/scarves) — one for each girl (for 1 to 10 girls)
*Roli* (vermilion) and red sandalwood paste
Water
Coconut
Steel plates
*Akshat* (unbroken rice grains)
Flowers
Garlands
Fruits

Sweets
*Kheer* (rice pudding)
*Puri* (deep-fried flatbread)
*Halwa* (semolina or flour pudding)
*Kale chane* (black chickpeas)
Gift items
Money to be offered as *dakshina* (ritual honorarium).

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