Chaitra Navratri – a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga – began on Thursday, March 19 and culminates on Ram Navami, which commemorates the birth of Lord Rama. Observed from day one, Hindus worship Maa Durga and her nine incarnations. The eighth and ninth days of the festival are considered particularly significant.
Here’s everything you need to know about the eighth and ninth days, which are marked by Kanya Pujan – a ritual involving worshiping young girls and offering food.
This year, Ashtami is celebrated on March 26, while Navami falls on March 27.
Ashtami Kanya Pujan Muhurat 2026
Early morning – from 6:18 to 7:50
Morning – 10:55 a.m. to 1:59 p.m
Navami Kanya Pujan Muhurat 2026
Morning – 6:17 am to 10:54 am
Afternoon – 12:27 to 1:59 p.m
The festival is considered an auspicious time for purification and seeking divine blessings. Each day is associated with a specific color, which commonly includes purple, pink, red, yellow, green, blue, and orange.
The nine divine forms of Maa Durga are Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri.
