Durga Ashtami

Major Hindu festival, specific puja (worship), fasting, and community celebrations.

Often a Restricted Holiday (RH) or Gazetted Holiday (GH) in various states, especially in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and parts of North India.

1 day

Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of the Sharad Navratri festival, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. On this day, devotees specifically worship the Mahagauri form of Goddess Durga, symbolizing purity, peace, and serenity. It is a day of great spiritual energy, marked by various rituals including Kumari Puja and the crucial Sandhi Puja.

Key Rituals & Practices

Kumari Puja (Kanya Puja):** Worship of young, pre-pubescent girls (typically 2-10 years old) who are considered manifestations of Goddess Durga. Their feet are washed, offerings of food, clothes, and gifts are made, seeking blessings.

Sandhi Puja:** This is a crucial ritual performed at the exact juncture when Ashtami Tithi ends and Navami Tithi begins. It is considered the most auspicious time (the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami) for worship. Goddess Chamunda (Chandi) is invoked, and it symbolizes the transition of Durga's power.

Ashta Kanya Puja:** Similar to Kumari Puja, but often involving eight or nine girls representing the nine forms of Durga.

Homa/Havan (Fire Ritual):** Many devotees perform elaborate fire rituals to invoke blessings and purify their surroundings.

Astra Puja:** In many regions, especially among warrior communities, weapons (astra) are worshipped, symbolizing the strength and power of Goddess Durga.

Fasting:** Many devotees observe a strict fast throughout the day, breaking it only after performing the evening prayers.

Associated Deities

Goddess Durga (specifically her Mahagauri form)

Kumari Devi (young girls worshipped as manifestations of Durga)

Chandi (a fierce form of Durga, invoked during Sandhi Puja)

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Ashwin (Ashvin)

Paksha

Shukla Paksha (Bright Fortnight)

Tithi

Ashtami (8th day)

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

Durga Ashtami marks a significant day in Goddess Durga's battle against the demon Mahishasura. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Kali appeared from the forehead of Goddess Durga to destroy the demons Chanda and Munda. The day is also associated with the worship of the Mahagauri form of Durga, who represents purity, austerity, and deliverance from suffering. Sandhi Puja is particularly significant as it is believed to be the moment when Durga transformed into Chamunda to defeat the demons Chanda and Munda.

Alternative Names

Maha Ashtami

Mahashtami

Vir Ashtami

Gregorian Date

Varies; typically in September or October each year, falling on the eighth day of Sharad Navratri.