Kanya Pujan Held at Sector-18 Temple on Durga Ashtami; Sanjay Tandon Offers Bhog with Wife
Chandigarh, September 30
On the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami during the Sharadiya Navratri festival, a devotional atmosphere filled the temple located in Sector-18. Senior BJP leader and Himachal Pradesh co-incharge Sanjay Tandon, along with his wife Priya Tandon, visited the temple and performed Kanya Pujan —a ritual honoring young girls as embodiments of Goddess Durga. They offered bhog (sacred food) to the girls and sought their blessings.
From early morning, the temple saw a steady stream of devotees. Worshippers prayed to the ninth form of Goddess Durga, seeking peace, prosperity, and happiness for their families. Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Tandon said that Ashtami represents a unique blend of devotion and divine strength, and that heartfelt prayers offered at the feet of the Goddess bring blessings to every devotee. He emphasized that young girls carry the essence of the Goddess herself, which is why Kanya Pujan holds special significance during Navratri.
The Tandon couple participated in a special ritual organized at the temple, and after the prayers, they served food and offerings to the girls. Other devotees also joined in the collective worship and received blessings from the Goddess.
Tandon remarked that Navratri in Indian culture is not just a religious celebration but a symbol of spiritual energy and social harmony. He prayed that Goddess Durga continues to shower her infinite grace on everyone and bring joy, peace, and prosperity to every household.
The temple echoed with chants from the Durga Saptashati and devotional songs, creating a divine ambiance. A large number of devotees joined the Tandon couple in chanting praises of the Goddess. After the ceremony, the temple committee organized a community meal ( bhandara) for all attendees, where people received prasad.
Such collective celebrations on Durga Ashtami send a powerful message of unity and devotion. The rituals not only deepened religious sentiments but also highlighted the revered status of daughters and young girls in society—as living embodiments of the divine.
