What is Kanya Pujan?
Kanya Pujan (also called Kanjak or Kanjika Pujan) is the part of Navratri where young girls are welcomed into the home as living forms of the Goddess. Their feet are washed, they get a tilak and a sacred thread, a simple meal is served (puri, halwa and black chana are the classic), and they leave with a small gift. Most families invite nine girls, usually between about 2 and 10 years old, and often a boy too.
Customs differ by family and region. This guide is about the gift part only, and how to make it easy.
What are good gifts for Kanya Pujan?
The best gifts are small, practical and the same for all of the girls, so nobody compares. The table shows what works at which age, since your guests may range from toddlers to ten-year-olds.
| Gift | Works for | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Storybook | Ages 4–10 | Gets re-read; can be on the theme of the festival |
| Colouring book + crayons | Ages 3–8 | Low cost, and keeps small hands busy |
| Pencil box or stationery set | Ages 5–10 | Useful; every child can use one |
| Hair clips, bands, bangles | All ages | Traditional, small, easy to buy in bulk |
| Small pouch or purse | Ages 4–10 | Holds the other gifts and dakshina together |
| Fruit, dry fruits or a small sweet box | All ages | Nothing to wrongly size or duplicate; check allergies |
How do you plan gifts for nine girls?
- Count first. Nine girls, plus one for the boy guest, plus two spares in case an extra child turns up.
- Keep gifts identical. One kind of gift avoids comparison and is simpler to buy.
- Put the gift in a pouch or bag. Gifts, dakshina and prasad stay together and are easy to carry home.
- Avoid very small parts. The youngest guests may be two or three.
- Buy early. Ashtami is a busy shopping day. Order online well beforehand.
Can books be a Kanya Pujan gift?
Yes, and the theme fits. Our Navadurga Series has one picture book per goddess, for ages 4–10. One idea: buy three copies each of Books 1, 2 and 3. That is three complete sets, and nine books, so each girl takes home one goddess and the girls can swap stories later. The set price applies to every complete set in your cart. Our books suit roughly ages 4–10, so for a toddler guest choose a colouring book or hair accessories instead.
On the cart, you can change the quantity of each book. If the books are a gift for someone else to hand out, tick "This is a gift" and add a short message for a card.
When should you order for Kanya Pujan 2026?
Ashtami falls on 18 October and Navami on 19 October. We dispatch within 1 day, and courier time depends on your city. If your Kanya Pujan is on Ashtami, order this week. Please don't wait for the last few days.
Frequently asked questions
When is Kanya Pujan in 2026?
Families usually hold Kanya Pujan on Ashtami (the eighth day) or Navami (the ninth day) of Navratri. In 2026 that is Sunday 18 October and Monday 19 October, by the calendar we follow. Some families go by their own panchang or family tradition, so check yours.
How many girls are invited for Kanya Pujan?
Nine is the usual number, one for each form of Durga. Many families also invite one young boy as a companion guest. If nine isn't possible, invite as many as you can; customs vary by family and region.
What is traditionally given to girls at Kanya Pujan?
A meal of puri, halwa and black chana, a tilak and a sacred thread, and a small gift or dakshina. The gift is up to the family, and practical presents like books, stationery and hair accessories are very common.
Is it Ashtami or Navami for Kanya Pujan?
Both are accepted. Which one you follow depends on your family tradition (kul parampara). If you aren't sure, ask the elders at home.