Kanjak which is even named as Kanya Pujan and even Kumari Puja is almost here and seems to be knocking at our doorsteps. This very sacred and auspicious day or Kanjak March 2026 will be observed during the very pious and revered Chaitra Navratri.
Young girls are considered to be Avatars of Maa Durga and thus they are worshipped on that day. Those who observe this Navratri invite both Maa Durga and these young girls into their homes, offer them Red Chunri, food, gifts and ask for blessings from the divinity in all forms.
Kanjak March 2026 will be observed in the last week of March 2026 during the Chaitra Navratri.
Kanjak March 2026 Date
| Chaitra Navratri 2026 Start Date | 19 March 2026 |
| Chaitra Navratri 2026 End Date | 27 March 2026. |
| Kanjak March 2026 Ashtami Date | Thursday, 26 March, 2026 |
| Kanjak March 2026 Navami Date | Friday, 27 March, 2026 |
What Happens During Kanjak Puja?
During Kanjak March 2026 Puja, eight or nine young girls aged between 2 and 10 years are invited and worshipped by the devotees. They are believed to be NavDurga and thus they are offered Jal and Prasad.
The main traditions are:
- Invite Eight or nine young girls and 1 young boy symbolic of Bhairav who is called Langur
- Wash their feet and then dry them.
- Applying Sindur ka tilak
- Tie holy mauli.
- Offer them prasad which generally consists of Kale Chane, Puri and halwa
- Offer gifts to them after touching their feet.
Gift Ideas for Kanjak March 2026
Here are some popular and meaningful Kanjak gift ideas.
1. Stationery Kits consisting of notebooks, pencils, erasers, sketch pens, crayons, drawing kits, stationary sets and coloring books. These can be bought from your nearest stationary shop and for better offer from Amazon.in, Blinkit, Zepto or Swiggy Instamart.
Doms Fun Fiesta Kit, Doms Sketch Pen Set, Doms Art on Wheels Stationary Kit, Cello Colour Up Celebration Kit, Cello Colour Up Coluring Kit are few options which can be vailed if your budget is under Rs 200/-.
2. Chocolates and Sweet Treats like Cadbury Celebration Pack, Perk Mini Treats Pack, Nestle Munch pack 17 Units, Luvit Goodies Assorted Chocolate packs, UNIBIC fruit and Nut Pack, Britannia Little Hearts Pack of 4 are available for a budget under Rs 100/- on amazon.in or other quick commerce websites like Blinkit, Zepto or Swiggy Instamart.
3. Bangles and Hair Accessories
Accessories like Metal Bangle Sets, Hair Clip Sets, Hair Band Sets, Pendant and earring sets which are available in a varied budget range from Rs 25/- to Rs 500/- as per your wish and financial planning are one of the best picks in traditional options.
4. Small Toys like Dolls, Soft Toys, Small Puzzle Games, Uno Pack, Scrabble Board Games, Snake and Ladder Board Game, Ludo Board, Small globes, Pokemon Cards, Monopoly are few best gift options for kids which are both educational and will keep kids away from screen. Just make your you give the best suited item as per the child’s age.
5. Clothes or Red Chunari
Giving Red clothes or Red Chunni or Red Chunari is very beneficial on Kanya Pujan representing Maa Durga’s strength and valor.
6.Dakshina
Devotees in addition with the above gifts Dakshina is also given. Many do not give gifts and only Dakshina of amount of ₹11, ₹21, ₹51 and ₹101.
7. Practical Gift Hampers : Some small practical small gift hampers can also be given like:
- Tiffins or Lunch boxes with Puja Prasad in it
- Pencil pouches with one pencil, scale, eraser and sharpener inside it.
- Frooti and Maaza tetra Packs to carry easily.
- Chips packets like Lays and Uncle Chips, Lotte Choco Pie can also be given.
Kanjak March 2026: Traditional Food Preparations
The traditional food served is the Prasad which is offered to Maa Durga and then to the kanya:
- Puri
- Kala Chana
- Halwa
- Kheer or fruits
Conclusion
Kanjak March 2026 Puja is an emotional time to where one gets to worship not only the Goddess but also the favorite category of human which is children also. Kanya Puja teaches you to respect each and every woman of your life so that you come closer to Maa Durga.
This Kanya Pujan make sure that you inculcate the feeling of respect and empathy towards, children, girls and women not only during the 9 days of Navratri but make it a part of your life.