NINE DAYS OF KANYA PUJAN CAMPAIGN

NINE DAYS OF KANYA PUJAN CAMPAIGN

18-OCT-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, the 'Vande Mataram Matrushakti' team organized a *Kanya Pujan* (worship of young girls) as part of their 'Nine Days, Nine Forms, Nine Days of Kanya Pujan' campaign. The event took place at the residence of team member Narsingh Bhati. During the proceedings, the young girls were revered as manifestations of Goddess Durga; they were worshipped according to prescribed rituals, and blessings were sought from them. The *Kanya Pujan* rituals were performed with deep devotion and in adherence to religious traditions. Through this initiative, the team demonstrated its commitment to honouring young girls and upholding religious values ​​during Navratri.

During the event, the girls were served a meal with great reverence and offered *prasad* (consecrated food). Once the *Kanya Pujan* concluded, the team members also partook in the *prasad*. Participants included Vijay Kochar, Narsingh Bhati, Mukesh Joshi, Kamini Vimal Bhojak 'Maiya', Geeta Khadkhodiya, Sudha Acharya, Jasoda Khatri, Indu Verma, Radha Khatri, Suraj Rathore, Shrikanta Kochar, Sangeeta Upadhyay, and Saroj Bhati, among others. Everyone participated in the worship of the girls in accordance with religious customs. Through this event, the team conveyed a message about the collective observance of Navratri traditions.

The objective of this initiative by the 'Vande Mataram Matrushakti' team is to honour womanhood, foster reverence for young girls, and promote *Sanatan* (traditional/ancient) values ​​within society. The *Kanya Pujan* campaign, conducted over the nine days of Navratri, emphasizes honouring young girls while reflecting upon the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The event sought to promote both religious faith and social values. The team believes that traditions such as *Kanya Pujan* provide an opportunity to highlight the importance of respect, service, and cultural values ​​within society. The 'Vande Mataram Matrushakti' team has pledged to continue the tradition of 'Kanya Pujan' (worship of young girls) during Navratri and to propagate the message of respecting young girls among the general public. The team’s initiative—centred on the theme of "nine days, nine forms, and the worship of young girls"—aims to promote respect for women and foster social consciousness, alongside upholding religious faith. The active participation of the members underscored a collective effort and a deep connection to cultural traditions. The team reaffirmed its core objectives: service, the preservation of values ​​(sanskar), upholding 'Sanatan' (traditional/eternal) values, and honouring the power of women ('Nari Shakti'). Through this initiative, the message of strengthening the spirit of 'Kanya Pujan' and respect for young girls within society was conveyed.