How is kanyā pūjana done on Aṣṭamī or Navamī?

invite young girls as forms of the Devī, wash their feet, apply tilaka, feed them lovingly and give small gifts — with joy, not formality.

Kanyā pūjana (also kañjak or kumārī pūjā) honours little girls as living forms of the Devī. It is usually done on Aṣṭamī or Navamī, after the morning pūjā, and is how many families close their Navarātri fast.

Traditionally nine girls between about two and ten years old are invited, often with one boy as Laṅgūra or Bhairava, the Devī’s guardian. Welcome them, wash their feet, seat them on a clean mat, tie a red thread, apply kuṅkuma, and serve the classic meal of pūrī, black chickpeas and halwa. Touch their feet, give a small gift — bangles, a ribbon, stationery or some money — and see them off happily.

If nine girls are not available, even one is enough. Invite girls from any family — neighbours, friends, domestic staff’s children — without distinction; the Devī is in every child. Make sure their parents are comfortable, and do not overfeed them.

Usually girls aged about 2–10 · Source: Devī worship tradition; common family practice

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