Navratri, a vibrant and spiritually significant Hindu festival, is celebrated with immense devotion and fervour across India. This nine-night festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her various forms. Among the numerous rituals during Navratri, Kumari Puja/Kanya Pujan and Sandhi Puja hold special importance. Durga Ashtami 2023 Date in Kolkata: When Is Maha Ashtami and Sandhi Puja? Know Tithi, Puja Vidhi and Significance of the Third Day of Durga Puja. 

Kumari Puja/Kanya Pujan 2023 Date and Shubh Muhurat

This year, Durga Ashtami of Shardiya Navratri is on October 22, 2023. On this day, Kanya Puja and Goddess Mahagauri are worshipped. Kumari Puja, also known as Kanya Pujan, is a ritual that involves the worship of young prepubescent girls as the embodiment of the divine feminine. Shubh muhurat is soon after the havan on this day. It typically takes place on the eighth or ninth day of Navratri, known as Ashtami and Navami, respectively.

Significance of Kumari Puja/Kanya Pujan

  • Symbol of Divine Energy: Young girls symbolize the unadulterated divine energy, and their worship signifies the reverence of the goddess manifest in them.

  • Respect for the Feminine: The ritual reflects the deep-rooted belief in the strength and power of the feminine. It is a way of honouring the female form in its purest state.

  • Blessings for the Future: The girls who are worshipped receive blessings from the goddess, and it is believed that their futures will be filled with prosperity and success.

Sandhi Puja 2023

Sandhi Puja is a crucial transitional moment during Navratri. It occurs at the juncture of the eighth (Ashtami) and ninth (Navami) days, precisely at the moment when the Ashtami Tithi ends and the Navami Tithi begins. In 2023, Sandhi Puja will take place between 7:34 pm to 8:22 pm on October 22.

Significance of Sandhi Puja

Sandhi Puja is considered the most spiritually charged moment during Navratri. It is believed that the goddess is at her most powerful during this time. This particular juncture, known as the "Sandhikshan," is associated with the slaying of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is believed that prayers offered during Sandhi Puja are highly auspicious and that any desires expressed at this time have a greater chance of being granted. Devotees come together to participate in Sandhi Puja, reinforcing a sense of unity and collective devotion to the goddess. Sandhi Puja 2023 Date and Time in Kolkata: Know Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Significance of Important Observance During Durga Puja.

Navratri, with its numerous rituals and ceremonies, is not just a festival; it is a spiritual journey filled with profound significance and devotion. Kumari Puja/Kanya Pujan and Sandhi Puja are integral to the tapestry of Navratri, symbolizing the celebration of the divine feminine and the triumphant spirit of good over evil.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 22, 2023 12:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).