Mumbai: Neetu Kapoor celebrated the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami by performing the traditional Kanjak ritual with her granddaughter, Raha Kapoor. The veteran actor shared an adorable glimpse of the special moment on her Instagram Story, offering fans a peek into a cherished family tradition.
In the photograph, Neetu is seen performing the ritual while Raha sits on a small stool. The heartwarming moment highlighted the actor’s affection for her granddaughter and the family’s observance of Hindu traditions during Navratri.
Raha is the daughter of actors Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor. Since her parents introduced her to the media in December 2023, the young Kapoor has frequently attracted attention from fans eager to catch glimpses of her family moments.
Neetu’s latest Instagram Story offered another such glimpse, this time centred on a traditional religious ceremony celebrated in many Indian households during Navratri.
What is the Kanjak ritual?
Kanjak, also known as Kanya Pujan or Kumari Puja, is a Hindu ritual performed during Navratri, commonly on the eighth day, Durga Ashtami, or the ninth day, Maha Navami.
The ceremony honours young girls as manifestations of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, collectively known as Navadurga. Families traditionally invite young girls, often before puberty, to participate in the ritual as a symbolic expression of reverence for the divine feminine.
During Kanjak, the girls may be welcomed into the home, their feet washed as a mark of respect, and prayers offered to them. They are traditionally served a meal that often includes puri, kala chana and halwa. Gifts, clothing or money may also be offered as part of the observance.
The customs vary across regions and households, but the underlying significance remains the same: honouring the power, purity and blessings associated with Goddess Durga.
Neetu’s celebration with Raha brought this familiar tradition into the spotlight, showing how cultural and religious practices continue to be observed within families across generations.
Riddhima Kapoor shares Neetu Kapoor’s special bond with Raha
Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Neetu’s daughter and Ranbir’s sister, has previously spoken about the affection Neetu shares with her grandchildren.
In an earlier interaction with the media, Riddhima discussed the family’s loving relationships and explained the different names her daughter, Samara, and Raha use for Neetu.
“They both adore my mother,” Riddhima said, adding that Samara calls Neetu “Nani”, while Raha calls her “Deda”.
The affectionate nicknames offer a glimpse into the family’s personal dynamics and the special place Neetu holds in the lives of her grandchildren.
As a grandmother, Neetu has occasionally shared anecdotes that reveal her playful side and the joy she finds in spending time with the younger members of the Kapoor family.
The Kanjak photograph further reflected this bond, with the actor participating in a traditional ceremony alongside Raha.
Neetu Kapoor’s amusing story about Raha’s first words
Neetu previously shared a humorous anecdote about Raha’s early words during an appearance on Koffee with Karan.
During a conversation with Soni Razdan, the actor recalled how she had encouraged the household help to teach Raha to say “papa”. Soni, meanwhile, wanted the little one to say “mumma”.
Neetu recounted that when Alia told her Raha had started saying “mamma”, she playfully suggested that the child might actually have been saying “mum-mum”, referring to water.
She also joked that Raha was saying “da-da” rather than “na-na”, much to her amusement.
The story offered a light-hearted glimpse into the family’s interactions as Raha began developing her vocabulary. Neetu’s playful response showed how even ordinary childhood milestones can become memorable moments for grandparents.
Her latest Instagram Story continues that thread of family affection, this time through a religious tradition rather than a funny anecdote.
Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor’s journey as parents
Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor married on April 14, 2022, in an intimate ceremony attended by close family members and friends.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Raha Kapoor, in November 2022. They kept her largely away from public view during her early months, sharing limited details about their experience as new parents.
Raha was introduced to the media during the Kapoor family’s annual Christmas lunch in December 2023. Her appearance quickly attracted attention, with photographs of the family becoming widely discussed among fans.
Since then, occasional family anecdotes and public appearances have continued to generate interest in Raha and her relationship with her parents and grandparents.
Neetu’s Kanjak post adds to these glimpses of the family’s personal life, showing the younger generation participating in a tradition that has been observed in Hindu households for generations.
A family moment rooted in tradition
Neetu Kapoor’s celebration of Kanjak with Raha was a small but meaningful family moment shared with her followers. Beyond its adorable photograph, the occasion highlighted the continued importance of religious customs and family traditions in everyday life.
For Neetu, the ritual also provided an opportunity to spend time with her granddaughter while observing Durga Ashtami. The image captured the intersection of family affection and cultural practice, offering fans a warm glimpse into the Kapoor family’s festive celebrations.
As Raha grows up, moments like these may become part of her own memories of family life, connecting her childhood experiences with traditions passed down through generations.