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The nine-day Shardiya Navratri festival commenced on Sunday, October 15, with joy and enthusiasm resonating throughout the country. Navratri, a deeply revered and auspicious festival, holds a special place in the hearts of the people, and it will end on October 23 with the celebration of Durga Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. The last two days of Navratri are marked by a significant ritual known as "Kanya Puja" or "Kanjak Poojan," a beautiful way to conclude this nine-day festival.
Durga Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, holds special significance in the Hindu tradition as it marks the worship of Mahagauri, the eighth manifestation of Maa Durga. This day, also known as Durga Ashtami, is followed by Ram Navami or Maha Navami on the ninth day, during which both these are celebrated with fervour across the country. One of the prominent rituals on Durga Ashtami is the offering of prayers and treats to young girls, known as kanyas. Among these treats, a traditional bhog of Poori, Sooji Halwa, and Sookhe Kale Chane is an essential component. In this article, we delve into the significance and benefits of this cherished tradition.
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It is believed that the goddess Durga transformed into a young girl to defeat the demon Kalasura and end his reign of terror and so to commemorate her brave act, young girls worshipped on Durga Ashtami are considered the embodiments of Goddess Durga. It is for this very reason that nine girls, along with one boy known as Langur, are revered and treated with good food, a ritual commonly referred to as Kanjak Puja or Kanya Pujan. Kanya Pujan, also known as Kanjak Pooja, is a tradition during Navratri. Devotees perform this ritual to seek blessings from the divine feminine energy by welcoming young girls into their homes.
The three dishes, prepared in desi ghee, namely chane, poori, and halwa, offer a healthful blend of nutrition. Experts assert that chana and sooji are rich in dietary fibre, contributing to stable blood sugar levels and aiding in the maintenance of balanced cholesterol levels, thus promoting cardiovascular health. Notably, black chana contains saponins, which inhibit the multiplication and spread of cancer cells in the body. Selenium, found in chana, plays a crucial role in detoxifying cancer-causing compounds.
Kanjak Puja commences by washing the feet of young girls aged between 2-10 years. A tilak is then applied to their foreheads, and a kalava is tied to their hands. The young girls are first offered the prasad of tender coconut, followed by Poori Halwa and Sookhe Kale Chane. In some regions of Northern India, people also prepare Sattvik Aloo Gobhi or Aloo Tamatar in addition to Chane. At the conclusion of the puja, the young girls receive gifts in the form of money, jewellery, clothing, toys, and more. The devotee seeks their blessings by touching their feet, and after their departure, the fast is broken with the leftover bhog.
