FestivalIndian · Hindu
Durga Ashtami
Maha Ashtami
Next date
Monday, 19 October 2026
- Tithi at sunrise
- Waxing Eighthuntil 10:52
- Nakshatra
- Uttara Ashadhauntil 15:38
- Lunar month
- Aso
- Sunrise
- 06:36Sunset 18:12
In short
Durga Ashtami is a festival observed according to the Hindu calendar. Its date and customary practices can vary by region and local Panchang.
The story
Durga Ashtami, or Maha Ashtami, is one of the most intense days of worship during Sharad Navratri and Durga Puja. Goddess Durga is honoured in her powerful forms as the force that confronts adharma, and many traditions connect the Ashtami-Navami junction with the fierce moment of her battle against the forces of Mahishasura. In Durga Puja traditions, elaborate worship, Sandhi Puja and offerings mark this phase of the festival; elsewhere devotees perform havan, recite the Devi Mahatmya and worship young girls in Kumari or Kanya Puja as living symbols of Shakti. The day emphasizes that divine power is protective as well as compassionate. For devotees it is a time to seek courage to overcome fear, anger, injustice and other inner forms of negativity.
Why it matters
Durga Ashtami is valued for devotion, family tradition and the spiritual or seasonal meaning attached to the day.
What people do
Kanya pujan: an odd number of girls, usually nine, fed puri, chana and halwa, with their feet washed first.
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