BhaktiLoopDurga Ashtami
Major Hindu festival, specific puja (worship), fasting, and community celebrations.Invalid DateOften a Restricted Holiday (RH) or Gazetted Holiday (GH) in various states, especially in West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and parts of North India.
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.
Event Information
- Alternative Names
- Maha Ashtami, Mahashtami, Vir Ashtami
- Duration
- 1 day
- Day of Week
- Varies
Hindu Calendar Details
- Hindu Month
- Ashwin (Ashvin)
- Paksha
- Shukla Paksha (Bright Fortnight)
- Tithi
- Ashtami (8th day)
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)
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.