Fri Oct 11 05:06:26 UTC 2024: ## Durga Ashtami 2024: Celebrations Culminate with Kanya Pujan Today

**New Delhi, October 11, 2024:** The nine-day festival of Sharad Navratri, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms, culminates today with Durga Ashtami and Kanya Pujan.

According to the Hindu calendar, the Ashtami Tithi ends at 12:07 PM today, followed by the Navami Tithi, which will conclude at 10:59 AM tomorrow, October 12.

The day holds special significance as it marks the worship of young girls (Kanyas) as a representation of Goddess Durga. This practice, known as Kanya Pujan or Kanjak, is believed to bring blessings of prosperity and happiness.

**Key Highlights of Durga Ashtami:**

* **Kanya Pujan:** Families invite young girls (2-10 years old) to their homes, offering them food, gifts, and showering them with respect and affection. This is considered a crucial ritual to receive the blessings of Goddess Durga.
* **Havan Puja:** An auspicious time for Havan Puja is between 11:44 AM and 12:31 PM today.
* **Parana:** The fast observed during Navratri is broken after the Kanya Pujan.
* **Significance of Kanya Pujan:** The act of worshipping young girls is believed to appease Goddess Durga, ensuring the well-being and prosperity of the family.
* **Worship of Maa Siddhi Daatri:** The ninth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Siddhi Daatri, who is believed to grant success, strength, wealth, and liberation.

**Important Rituals for Kanya Pujan:**

* Welcome the girls with respect, wash their feet, and offer them a tilak.
* Feed them a meal free of garlic and onions, consisting of halwa, puri, and chana.
* After offering gifts and seeking their blessings, bid farewell to the girls.
* Avoid cleaning the house immediately after the girls leave.

As the festivities conclude, devotees are reminded to follow the rituals with reverence and devotion, seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga for a prosperous and blissful year ahead.

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