Kanjak pujan gifts with a thought
From masks, sanitisers, and soap papers in 2021 to steel tiffins and reusable water bottles in 2022, the choice of gifts for Kanjak pujan is yet again witnessing a sea change! Since the pandemic has hit, residents of Delhi-NCR have become more mindful about what and how to gift the Kanjaks — young girls — who are invited to homes on the last day of Navratri, for the puja.
“Last year, I gave soaps, sanitisers and masks to the young girls whom I had invited at my home for Kanjak puja. But this year since schools have reopened, I’ll be distributing steel tiffin boxes and reusable water bottles,” says Nina Gupta, a Gurugrambased homemaker.
Recalling the Kanjak pujan of past two years, Geeti Gupta, a Gurugram-based educational consultant says, she is choosing to give mosquito repellent bracelets this year. “These are loved by young kids, and can be used for 20 days. These are even waterproof and resealable. Last year, I gave paintable masks since Covid19 cases were really high during that time. But this time, I want the kids to not to think about Covid-19, and yet stay safe!”
“My Kanjak pujan was a subdued one last year as very few kids turned up,” says Shikha Sachdev, a Delhi-based baker, adding, “In the past we’ve distributed cloth sling bags with face masks, wet wipes and some chocolates. This year, besides puri, chole and halwa, I’ll be distributing stationaries such as colour pencils, crayons, etc. as well.”
Those who have been able to venture out to scout interesting gifts for Kanjaks, after two years, have found some unique choices. Rekha Agarwal, a Gurugram resident, who has got plantable pencils to gift the youngsters, along with colouring books.
“I decided to order Mandala colouring books to give them to the kids. They deserve colour in their life after the harrowing two years of pandemic!”
And steel containers are the go-to choice for Shaily, a resident of Ghaziabad. She says, “During Navaratri, I distribute eatables to the kids in steel plates. And at an NGO where I volunteer, the team members also provide steel crockery, so that no one uses disposables. This way, we save more than 80 plastic or thermocol plates at every meal.”