Chaitra Navratri is a sacred nine-day festival dedicated to Maa Durga, celebrated with immense devotion across India. This Navratri falls in the Chaitra month of the Hindu lunar calendar, marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year. One of the most significant days of this festival is Ashtami, when devotees perform Kanya Pooja and Kanjak rituals to seek blessings from Devi Mahagauri.
This article provides detailed insights into Chaitra Navratri 2025 Ashtami date, muhurat, pooja vidhi, kanya pooja rituals, and Kanjak celebrations, ensuring that devotees can observe the traditions in the right manner.
Chaitra Navratri 2025 Ashtami Date & Muhurat
Ashtami Date:
In 2025, the Ashtami tithi of Chaitra Navratri falls on 5th April, 2025.
Ashtami Muhurat (Auspicious Timings):
Performing Kanya Pooja and Durga Ashtami Havan during this auspicious muhurat brings immense blessings from Maa Durga.
Chaitra Navratri 2025 Ashtami Pooja Vidhi
Step-by-Step Pooja Rituals
Early Morning Bath & Sankalp: Start the day with a holy bath, wear clean clothes, and take a sankalp (vow) to perform the Ashtami vrat with devotion.
Kalash Sthapana: If not done on Day 1, establish a Kalash (sacred pot) and invoke Maa Durga with mantras and flowers.
Goddess Mahagauri’s Worship: Offer white flowers, coconut, milk, sweets (kheer), and halwa-puri to Maa Mahagauri.
Navratri Aarti & Bhajans: Sing Durga Chalisa, chant Durga Saptashati, and perform the aarti to seek blessings.
Havan (Yajna): Conduct a havan (fire ritual) with offerings like ghee, rice, and herbs, reciting Durga mantras.
Kanya Pooja & Kanjak Celebration: Honor young girls (Kanjak) as incarnations of Maa Durga, serving them food and gifts.
Significance of Ashtami in Chaitra Navratri 2025
The eighth day (Ashtami) of Chaitra Navratri is of great importance as it is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Durga. She represents purity, patience, and wisdom. Devotees fast on this day to remove sins, seek prosperity, and attain spiritual growth.
Performing Ashtami Pooja and Kanya Pooja ensures divine protection and success in life.
Kanya Pooja (Kanjak) Rituals for Chaitra Navratri 2025
What is Kanya Pooja?
Kanya Pooja or Kanjak Pooja is a sacred ritual performed on Ashtami or Navami, where nine young girls (representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga) are worshipped.
Step-by-Step Kanya Pooja Vidhi
Inviting Kanjak Girls: Choose nine young girls (preferably between 2-10 years old).
Washing Their Feet: Offer them kumkum, haldi, and flowers, washing their feet as a mark of respect.
Offering Prasad: Serve them halwa, puri, and chana, which are considered Maa Durga’s favorite food.
Giving Dakshina & Gifts: Present each girl with clothes, bangles, and sweets, and seek their blessings.
Performing Aarti: Conclude the ritual by performing aarti and seeking the goddess’s blessings.
Conclusion
Chaitra Navratri 2025 Ashtami is a powerful day to connect with Maa Durga’s divine energy. Observing fasting, performing pooja, kanya pooja, and kanjak rituals with devotion invites prosperity, happiness, and success in life.
By following the right Ashtami muhurat, pooja vidhi, and Kanjak celebrations, devotees can receive immense blessings from Maa Durga and usher in positivity and good fortune.
May Maa Durga bless you with strength, wisdom, and divine grace in Chaitra Navratri 2025! 🙏✨