The festival of Navratri was marked with traditional fervor by Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra, as they opened the doors of their home to the sacred customs of Kanya Puja. This auspicious event, which involves worshipping young girls as representations of the Goddess Durga, was shared with fans through a touching video posted by Shetty on her social media handle. With attention to every detail of the ritual, the couple radiated devotion, showcasing their commitment to preserving and celebrating traditional Indian customs.
Bollywood is a world known for its grandeur, its festivals often turning into resplendent displays of culture and traditions. Yet, Shilpa Shetty’s Kanya Puja stood out for its touching simplicity and deep-rooted respect for age-old customs. In the video shared on Instagram, Shilpa is seen lovingly embracing the rituals of Kanya Puja, which involves honoring young girls with gifts and offerings. These young invitees, often referred to as ‘kanyas,’ symbolize the nine forms of Goddess Durga, and their participation is deemed auspicious during the Navratri celebration.
Captioning her video, Shilpa wrote, “Happy Ashtami and Navami 🙏😇 Kanjak Poojan,” marking the culmination of the nine-day long Navratri festival. The video gained immense traction as her followers were quick to appreciate the actress’s devotion to her roots. Shilpa Shetty was dressed in a beautiful purple kurta adorned with a light white pattern, paired with a matching pajama and dupatta. Her chic bun added an elegant touch to her festive attire, resonating with the traditional yet modern celebration of the occasion.
Fans and admirers couldn’t contain their admiration for Shetty’s genuine portrayal of Indian rites. “Happy Ashtami and Navami to Madam Shilpa Shetty Kundra and her family,” commented one fan, reflecting the warmth and joy the actress conveyed through her festive spirit. Another supporter emphasized, “Mam, aisa hi kaam karte raho, Mataji aapko khush rakhegi,” which translates to “Keep doing such work, and the Mother Goddess will keep you happy.
.” Yet others expressed their wishes for peace and harmony, drawing inspiration from the divine energies associated with the festival.
As part of the Kanya Puja, Shilpa and Raj were seen touching the feet of the young girls, a gesture that signifies the acknowledgment of the goddess in the girls and seeking their blessings. The couple then served these girls with traditional Navami prasad, comprising puris, chana, halwa, and an assortment of sweets, reflecting the bounty and generosity associated with Hindu festivals. A particularly endearing moment was captured where Shilpa fed the prasad to the girls with her hands, a gesture highlighting her personal involvement and devotion to the practice.
Shilpa Shetty is widely recognized not just for her acting prowess but also for her dedication to her cultural heritage. Known to celebrate each festival with great enthusiasm—whether it be Navratri, Diwali, or Ganesh Chaturthi—she often shares glimpses of her festivities with her fans, inspiring millions to embrace Indian traditions. Last month, Shilpa celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi by sharing another heartwarming video that showed her performing an aarti with Raj Kundra and their daughter, Samisha, paying homage to the arrival of Ganpati Bappa.
On the professional front, the actress has been busy with multiple projects. She was recently seen in the film ‘Sukhee,’ where she portrayed the role of a housewife. ‘Indian Police Force’, a web series by Rohit Shetty, saw her in a dynamic role as a police officer, showcasing her versatility. She is now gearing up for her upcoming Kannada film ‘KD – The Devil’, which boasts a cast that includes the renowned Sanjay Dutt and Jisshu Sengupta.
Shilpa Shetty’s celebration of Kanya Puja not only underscores her commitment to tradition but also encourages a broader audience to engage with and cherish Indian rituals. Her approach to festivities—infusing them with personal warmth and authenticity—remains a source of inspiration for her fans, fostering a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage in today’s world.
