Chaitra Navratri 2026: Mahashtami And Navami Dates, Kanya Pujan Muhurat
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Chaitra Navratri 2026 is from March 19-27. Learn about Mahashtami and Navami dates, Kanya Pujan timings, and muhurat to celebrate Maa Durga’s blessings and rituals.
Devotees perform Kanya Pujan rituals during Chaitra Navratri. (AI generated image)
Chaitra Navratri 2026: Maa Durga’s auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri will be celebrated by devotees in India from March 19 to 27. During this spiritual nine-day period, devotees will be praying for peace and prosperity from the different manifestations of the great Goddess. Towards the end of Navratri, festivities will be organised for the occasion of Mahashtami and Navami.
During which, people also honour young girls via the Kanya Pujan rituals as they are considered the manifestations of Maa Durga.
ALSO READ: Chaitra Navratri 2026: Fasting Rules, Do’s & Don’ts For The 9-Day Festival
According to scriptures and beliefs, the dates of Mahashtami and Navami are perfect to organise the Kanya Pujan and perform all the associated rituals to invoke the divine energy and take blessings from Maa Durga and her manifestations.
Mahashtami And Navami Dates
The Mahashtami denotes the eighth day of the Navratri and Navami, its ninth day. During Chaitra Navratri for 2026, the Mahashtami will be celebrated on March 26, while Navami on the following day of March 27. Performing the Kanya Pujan during these two dates invites the presence of Maa Durga at our homes and attracts her blessings for desired wishes, great health and abundance of wealth.
Kanya Pujan Timings And Muhurat Details
The Kanya Pujan is inspired by the Sanskrit phrase, ‘Kumaryaḥ Pujitāḥ Samyak Pujitā Jagadambikā’, which translates as – those who worship young girls with devotion are worshipping Goddess Jagadamba herself.
According to Hindu scriptures such as the Devi Bhagavat Purana and Markanya Purana, honouring and worshipping young girls invokes the grace and the blessings of the Goddess. The Kanya Pujan is therefore considered the same as going through the rituals for and praying to Maa Durga.
Ashtami Kanya Pujan Muhurat
- Morning – 6:18 AM to 7:50 AM
- Mid-Morning – 10:55 AM to 1:59 PM
Navami Kanya Pujan Muhurat
- Morning – 6:17 AM to 10:54 AM
- Afternoon – 12:27 PM to 1:59 PM
How To Perform Kanya Puja
- Before performing the Kanya Pujan, devotees should clean their homes, bathe, and prepare a satvik meal.
- After inviting young girls from the neighborhood, they perform the puja with devotion.
- Following the ritual, the girls are served food and water, presented with a red chunari, and blessed by the devotees.
March 20, 2026, 07:25 IST
