Kanya Puja
kanyā pūjā kumārī pūjā hindu holy ritual carried especially ashtami eighth day navami ninth day navaratri festival ceremony primarily involves worship nine girl representing nine form goddess durga navadurga per hindu philosophy girl considered manifestation natural force creation legend say ninth day navaratri shakti taken form goddess durga request devas kill demon mahisasura custom wash clean foot nine young girl mark respect goddess offer new clothes gift devotee kanya puja part devi worship recognise feminine power vested girl child girl young age also ritual purification chanting mantra made sit special pedestal worshipped offering akshat rice grain burning incense stick worshipped according philosophy striyah samastastava devi bhedah woman symbolize mahamaya goddess durga girl considered purest innocence