Navadurga Pujan Organised by Samaj SEVA Bharati

108 Girls Worshipped as Manifestations of Goddess Durga, Spreading the Message of Social Harmony and Respect for Women

With the noble ideals of devotion, reverence, service and social harmony at its heart, Samaj SEVA Bharati organised a special Navadurga Pujan ceremony, during which 108 girls from underprivileged, marginalised and socially neglected families were worshipped as manifestations of Goddess Durga. A majority of the girls belonged to families from red-light areas and other socially disadvantaged communities. The initiative aimed to honour these girls, recognise their dignity and convey a powerful message about their rightful place in the mainstream of society.

The programme was graced by Shri Advaita Charan Dutta, Member of the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished attendees included Shri Dhananjay Ghosh, Seva Pramukh of Dakshin Banga Prant; Shri Birendra Kumar Tewari, President of Samaj SEVA Bharati, West Bengal; and Shri Narendra Bera, Kolkata Mahanagar Pracharak, along with various functionaries of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Kolkata Mahanagar, and people from different sections of society.

The programme commenced with a soulful recitation of the Chandi Path by Shri Apurba Majumdar, Seva Pramukh of Thakurpukur Bhag. His devotional recitation created a spiritually uplifting atmosphere, setting the tone for the ceremony. This was followed by the Kanya Pujan, conducted in accordance with Sanatan traditions and scriptural customs.

As per the traditional rituals of Kanya Pujan, the young girls were worshipped as different manifestations of Goddess Durga, including Sandhya, Saraswati, Tridhamurti and Kalika. The rituals included washing their feet, applying alta and tying sacred threads on their wrists as expressions of reverence, affection and respect. The girls were presented with new clothes and served delicious food, including luchi and halwa. Following the pujan, clothing and personal care essentials were also presented to their mothers.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Shri Advaita Charan Dutta highlighted the ancient Sanatan tradition of worshipping young girls as manifestations of Goddess Durga. He observed that by connecting this age-old tradition with social responsibility, Samaj SEVA Bharati had brought forward an example that could inspire society. Recognising the divine feminine power within every girl and extending her the respect she deserves, he said, reflects the cultural and spiritual values of our civilisation.

Explaining the purpose behind the initiative, Shri Dhananjay Ghosh, Seva Pramukh of Dakshin Banga Prant, stated that Kanya Pujan represents the worship of feminine power, reverence for the innocence and purity of children, and faith in Sanatan religious traditions. The practice of worshipping and honouring young girls as manifestations of the Goddess during Navratri is an integral part of our religious and cultural heritage.

He further emphasised that one of the principal objectives of this initiative was to remind society that a girl child must never be neglected or discriminated against. Every girl deserves respect, love, protection and dignity. By standing beside girls from marginalised and disadvantaged families, honouring them and building meaningful emotional bonds with their families, Samaj SEVA Bharati seeks to strengthen the spirit of social inclusion and collective responsibility.

Samaj SEVA Bharati believes that every girl embodies the divine feminine energy. Showing respect to girls and extending support to their families are meaningful ways of translating the ideals of social service, humanity and social responsibility into action.

Following the Kanya Pujan, a traditional Yajna was organised. All those present participated in the sacred ritual and offered Purnahuti, seeking blessings through the holy ceremony. The programme concluded with the distribution of Prasad among all attendees.

A particularly significant aspect of the initiative was that the majority of the 108 girls worshipped during the ceremony came from red-light areas and socially neglected families. With the objective of supporting these girls and helping them build a brighter and more promising future, several distinguished individuals from society came forward to take responsibility for their welfare and future development.

Through this initiative, Samaj SEVA Bharati sought to go beyond the observance of religious rituals. It conveyed a meaningful message of social responsibility towards girls, support for their future growth and the importance of ensuring that they receive dignity, opportunities and recognition as equal members of society. The willingness of distinguished members of society to take responsibility for these girls has further strengthened the humanitarian spirit and service-oriented vision of Samaj SEVA Bharati.

With enthusiastic participation from people belonging to different sections of society, the Navadurga Pujan became a confluence of devotion, reverence and social harmony. By combining religious traditions with a commitment to supporting marginalised communities, respecting feminine power and promoting equality and humanity, Samaj SEVA Bharati’s initiative presented a meaningful example of service, compassion and social responsibility.