Mata Rani Ki Jai
At the Mandir
Devotion captured in still moments
Mummy offering to the deity — barefoot, heart full
Ashish with Mummy, Papa and the little ones — red tilak, sunny garden
जय माता दी • श्री वैष्णो देवी
A lifelong devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi.
On the auspicious day of Navratri Ashtami, 2026.
For Mummy — who has walked to Vaishno Devi with faith in her heart and prayers on her lips, who rises before dawn to light the diya, who fasts all day and feeds others first. On this Ashtami, we dedicate this day, these memories, and this love to you — and to Mata Vaishno Devi, who watches over our home.
जय माता दी
The sacred rituals, as they happened today
↓ Original aarti & paath videos below
Navratri Ashtami 2026
How the day unfolded at the Punj home, Mohali
Mummy woke before sunrise, lit the diya, and began her fast — as she has done every Navratri for as long as anyone can remember.
Marigold garlands wall to wall. Mata's murti adorned with flowers. Papa led the Aarti with the diya, Mummy beside him, hands folded, eyes closed.
Little girls seated on the garden lawn, red tilaks on their foreheads. Mummy bent over each one, serving halwa, puri, chana herself. Papa tied the sacred thread on each child's wrist.
Only after every child was fed, every prayer was sung, every ritual was complete — did Mummy finally sit down to eat. Kala chana, halwa, aloo, fresh rotis. She ate with quiet contentment.
Mata Rani Ki Jai
Devotion captured in still moments
"At eighty-two, she still fasts from dawn. She still lights the diya herself. She still bends over each child to serve them prasad with her own hands. Mata Vaishno Devi chose the right devotee."
कन्या पूजन
Nine little goddesses, fed with love
The children ate first. Mata's bhogh was offered first.
The family was fed first.
Only then — after the fast, after the puja, after the Kanjak,
after the aarti — did Mummy sit down at the table.
Kala chana. Halwa. Aloo. Fresh rotis from the insulated box.
She ate quietly, with the satisfaction of someone who has given everything —
and then received Mata's blessing in return.
That is who she is. That is seva.
ਪਰਿਵਾਰ
Together in Mohali on this blessed day
