Navratri 2026 Kanya Pujan Date: October 19 or 20? Check Navami Puja vidhi, rituals and fast-breaking timings

As Sharadiya Navratri approaches its final days, devotees often seek clarity on the dates for Kanya Pujan, havan and breaking their fasts. This year, the Navami Tithi spans two calendar dates, October 19 and 20, leading to questions about when to perform the rituals.

Sharadiya Navratri begins on October 11, 2026. According to the given calendar details, Navami Tithi starts at 8:05 AM on October 19 and ends at 9:46 AM on October 20. As a result, the observance of Navami and its associated rituals may differ according to local calendars and family traditions.

Navami 2026: October 19 Or October 20?

Navami will be observed on October 19 by devotees following the calendar that designates this date for the festival. Families that traditionally perform havan and Kanya Pujan on Navami can plan their rituals accordingly.


Some devotees may observe Navami on October 20, following the Udaya Tithi tradition, which considers the lunar date prevailing at sunrise. Since observances can depend on local Panchang timings and established customs, devotees should check their local calendar before finalising their puja plans.

Significance Of Kanya Pujan On Navami

Kanya Pujan is an important ritual observed during Navratri, particularly on Ashtami or Navami. During the ceremony, nine young girls are worshipped as symbolic representations of the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

Devotees traditionally welcome the girls, wash their feet, apply tilak and serve them food prepared for the occasion. Dakshina or small gifts may also be offered according to one's means. Havan is performed by many families as part of their Navratri rituals.

Navratri 2026: Kanya Pujan And Havan Vidhi

Devotees can follow these customary steps while performing Kanya Pujan and havan, adapting them to their family traditions:

• Prepare the puja area: Bathe in the morning, wear clean clothes and clean the place of worship.
• Offer prayers to Maa Durga: Light a diya before the goddess's idol or picture and offer flowers, fruits and sweets.
• Recite prayers: Read the Durga Saptashati, chant Devi mantras or recite the Durga Chalisa.
• Perform the havan: Carry out the havan according to family customs and the prescribed rituals.
• Welcome the girls: Invite nine girls for Kanya Pujan and wash their feet as part of the traditional ceremony.
• Apply tilak and serve food: Apply tilak to the girls and offer them food prepared for the occasion.
• Offer dakshina or gifts: Give the girls dakshina or small gifts according to your means.
• Maintain cleanliness and devotion throughout the ceremony. Families may follow different customs depending on their regional practices.

When To Break The Navratri Fast?

Devotees observing a Navratri fast should check the relevant local Panchang to determine the appropriate time to conclude it. The timing may depend on the date of the puja, the Tithi and individual family traditions.

Those performing Kanya Pujan or havan on Ashtami or Navami should plan their fast-breaking accordingly. Checking a trusted local calendar can help avoid confusion arising from the Tithi extending across two dates.