Chandigarh:- On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri Ashtami, the Omkar Charitable Foundation, Chandigarh, organized a special ritual involving the 'Kanjak Pujan' (worship of young girls) for 51 girls. The worship ceremony involved washing the girls' feet, applying a *tilak* (vermilion mark) to their foreheads, and draping a *chunari* (sacred scarf) over them; this was followed by offering them *Bhog* (sacred food offering) consisting of *Halwa-Puri* and black chickpeas. During the event, gifts and *Dakshina* (monetary offerings) were presented to the girls to seek their blessings—a practice considered a special way to attain the grace of *Mata Rani* (Goddess Durga).
Mayor Saurabh Joshi stated that young girls are worshipped as symbolic embodiments of the various forms of Goddess Durga, a practice believed to bring happiness and prosperity into the home while dispelling negativity. He explained that the ritual involves washing the girls' feet, seating them on a designated seat, tying a sacred thread (*Mauli*) around their wrists, and applying a *tilak* to their foreheads. Subsequently, the girls are respectfully served a meal of *Halwa*, *Puri*, and chickpeas. Following the meal, they are presented with *Dakshina*, fruits, and gifts according to one's means. He urged society to perform *Kanjak Pujan* and inspired people to take a stand against female feticide.
Ravinder Singh Billa, Chairman of the Omkar Charitable Foundation, Chandigarh, appealed to the youth, emphasizing that the true spiritual benefit of *Kanjak Pujan* can only be realized if we refrain from killing a girl child before she is even born. He challenged those in society who view a daughter as a burden, asking them: "If you kill your daughters, where will you find sons?" He urged everyone to join together in pledging to uproot social evils like female feticide once and for all.
Also present on this occasion were Avneesh Bansal, President of the Market Welfare Association, along with Jyoti Hans and other dignitaries.