Varun Dhawan celebrates Durga Ashtami with Kanjak girls on Navratri 2026
Synopsis
Varun Dhawan sat on the floor with young Kanjak girls, held up a handmade 'Happy Navratri' card, and quietly made the ritual personal — months after becoming a father himself and describing daughter Lara's arrival as Goddess Lakshmi entering his home.
Key Takeaways
Varun Dhawan performed Kanya Pujan on Durga Ashtami during Navratri 2026 , sharing the moment on social media.
The actor posted a picture seated on the floor with young girls drawing and colouring, holding a handmade 'Happy Navratri' card.
Dhawan and wife Natasha Dalal welcomed their daughter Lara in June 2024 ; he has described her arrival as Goddess Lakshmi coming home.
Veteran filmmaker David Dhawan became emotional at the trailer launch of Varun's upcoming film, praising him as a caring son.
Varun's next film, 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' , is in the pipeline after his recent outing in the action thriller 'Baby John' .
Actor Varun Dhawan marked Durga Ashtami during Navratri 2026 by performing the traditional Kanya Pujan ritual, spending time with young girls and sharing a warm festive message with his followers on social media. The post, which showed the actor seated on the floor alongside the children, quickly drew attention from fans celebrating the occasion.
The Social Media Post
In the picture shared on his social media account, Dhawan was seen sitting on the floor with a group of little girls who were engaged in drawing and colouring. The actor held up a handmade greeting card that read 'Happy Navratri', beaming alongside the children as crayons, sheets of paper, and colouring supplies were spread around them.
Sharing the image, Dhawan wrote a message in Hindi that translates to, 'Heartfelt Navratri wishes to all of you.' The actor, who is known for frequently offering glimpses of his personal life to fans, kept his festive appearance casual yet warm.
Family at the Forefront
Dhawan's participation in the Kanya Pujan — a ritual central to Navratri in which young girls are honoured as manifestations of the goddess — carries particular resonance given his personal journey as a father. The actor and his wife, fashion designer Natasha Dalal, whom he married in January 2021, welcomed their daughter Lara in June 2024. Dhawan has previously spoken about his daughter's arrival as akin to Goddess Lakshmi entering their home, underscoring the devotion he attaches to the occasion.
His family values were further on display at the trailer launch of his upcoming film 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai', where his father, veteran filmmaker David Dhawan, became visibly emotional while speaking about his son. David praised Varun for standing by him through health difficulties, reportedly sleeping beside him in hospital during his recovery.
On the Professional Front
Varun Dhawan has built a diverse filmography over the years, with credits including 'Badlapur', 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania', 'October', 'Jugjugg Jeeyo', and 'Bhediya'. He was most recently seen in the action thriller 'Baby John'. His next release, 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai', is expected to keep him in the spotlight as the festive season progresses.
With Navratri celebrations continuing across India, Dhawan's public acknowledgment of the tradition reflects the broader cultural moment that the festival represents for millions of families.
Point of View
But it lands differently now that he is a father — the Kanya Pujan ritual takes on personal weight when the actor has publicly likened his own daughter's birth to the arrival of the goddess. Whether calculated or genuine, the alignment between his real life and a centuries-old festive tradition gives the post unusual resonance for a Bollywood PR moment. It also keeps his public image anchored in warmth and family at a time when 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' needs audience goodwill.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Varun Dhawan do on Durga Ashtami during Navratri 2026?
Varun Dhawan performed the traditional Kanya Pujan ritual on Durga Ashtami, spending time with young girls who were drawing and colouring, and shared a festive social media post holding a handmade 'Happy Navratri' card. He accompanied the image with a message in Hindi wishing all his followers a heartfelt Navratri.
What is Kanya Pujan and why is it significant during Navratri?
Kanya Pujan is a Hindu ritual observed on Ashtami or Navami during Navratri, in which young girls are honoured as living embodiments of the goddess. It is considered one of the most sacred observances of the nine-day festival, widely practised across North India.
Who is Varun Dhawan's daughter?
Varun Dhawan and his wife, fashion designer Natasha Dalal, welcomed their daughter Lara in June 2024. The actor has spoken warmly about her birth, describing it as Goddess Lakshmi entering their home.
What is Varun Dhawan's upcoming film?
Varun Dhawan's next release is 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai'. At the film's trailer launch, his father, filmmaker David Dhawan, became emotional while praising Varun's dedication as a son, particularly during his health struggles.
What are some of Varun Dhawan's notable films?
Varun Dhawan has featured in a range of acclaimed films including 'Badlapur', 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania', 'October', 'Jugjugg Jeeyo', and 'Bhediya'. He was most recently seen in the action thriller 'Baby John'.
