Navratri is a time of deep spiritual reflection, devotion, and celebration across India, and the states of Punjab and Haryana have their own distinct rituals to honor the divine feminine. Among these traditions, Kanya Puja (Kanjak) and Sanjhi Puja stand out as profound cultural practices that showcase devotion to the Goddess in various forms. Both rituals celebrate the cycle of life, motherhood, and the nurturing power of the Goddess, making them unique and meaningful parts of Navratri festivities.
Kanya Puja (Kanjak): Celebrating the Young Goddess
One of the most widely practiced rituals in Punjab and Haryana during Navratri is Kanya Puja, also known as Kanjak Puja. This sacred tradition honors young girls between the ages of 2 and 10 as manifestations of the Goddess. The ritual takes place mainly on Ashtami (eighth day) or Navami (ninth day), depending on family traditions.
Ritual Details
Girls are invited into homes and seated on an asana (sacred seat).
Their feet are washed in a symbolic purification ritual, and a tilak (sacred mark) is applied to their foreheads.
A red chunari (scarf) is draped around their shoulders as a mark of respect, symbolizing the Goddess’s energy.
A sacred thread is tied around their wrists for protection, and each girl is worshipped as a specific form of the Goddess at different ages.
Devi Swaroops by Age
2-year-old: Kumarika
3-year-old: Trimurti
4-year-old: Kalyani
5-year-old: Rohini
6-year-old: Kalika
7-year-old: Chandika
8-year-old: Shambhavi
9-year-old: Durga
10-year-old: Subhadra
The girls are offered Halwa Puri as prasaad, along with gifts of shringar (traditional items of adornment) and money. In return, they bless the family members.
Kanya Puja is a beautiful way of recognizing the power of the feminine from a young age. This tradition is seen as a gesture of reverence to the Goddess, who protects her devotees from all negative forces.
Sanjhi Puja: Worshipping the Goddess in Clay
Another unique and spiritually significant ritual is the Sanjhi Puja, practiced largely in the southern part of Punjab. Unlike Kanya Puja, which involves the worship of living girls as Goddess incarnates, Sanjhi Puja is centered around the creation of a clay form of the Goddess, known as Sanjhi Mata.
The Sanjhi Puja Process
Mud is collected from the banks of a waterbody, symbolizing the connection between life and the earth.
This mud is then shaped into a form of the Goddess and hung on a wall in a home that has been thoroughly cleansed.
The Goddess is decorated with traditional shringar, including a red chunari and other adornments.
Every evening during Navratri, family members perform an aarti (ceremonial offering) and sing devotional songs welcoming her into their home.
Sanjhi Mata represents the Goddess in her nurturing form, and the ritual honors the cycle of life, fertility, and the connection to nature.
On the 10th day of Navratri, the clay image of the Sanjhi Mata is collected in an earthen pot and taken to a flowing waterbody for immersion, similar to the Visarjan performed during Ganesh Chaturthi. This act of immersion symbolizes the return of the Goddess to nature, completing the cycle of life.
The Legend of Sanjhi Mata
The story associated with this ritual is that of a pious couple who were unable to have children. On the advice of a passing saadhu (sage), they created and worshipped Sanjhi Mata during the auspicious days of Navratri. As a reward for their devotion, they were blessed with a child. This story has been passed down through generations and adds a deeply personal connection to the worship of Sanjhi Mata.
Navratri: A Time of Fasting and Feasting
In Punjab and Haryana, Navratri is also a time of fasting and feasting. Fasting practices can vary significantly from one household to another. Some devotees refrain from eating meat, while others go completely off solid foods. The fast is often broken on Ashtami or Navami after performing Kanya Puja.
The food consumed during this time is largely satvik, meaning it is pure, wholesome, and free from any ingredients that may cloud the mind. Common ingredients include samak rice, buckwheat, potatoes, and other fasting-approved foods, ensuring that the body is nourished and cleansed, reflecting the cleansing of the mind and soul during these auspicious days.
Naraate and Naurate: The Local Names for Navratri
In Punjab, Navratri is often called Naraate, while in Haryana, it is referred to as Naurate—both localizations of the word Navratri. These regional terms highlight how deeply ingrained this festival is in the local culture, adapting over generations while still retaining its core essence of celebrating the Goddess and the changing seasons.
The Diversity and Unity in Navratri Traditions
Navratri in Punjab and Haryana is a unique blend of devotion, culture, and community. The significance of Kanya Puja and Sanjhi Puja highlights the reverence for the feminine divine in all stages of life—from young girls to the motherly Goddess.
Whether you’re fasting, feasting, performing Kanya Puja, or creating a Sanjhi Mata, Navratri offers an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual essence of the festival, connecting with the divine and nature. It’s not just a celebration of devotion, but also of the bonds between families, communities, and the land.
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