Points to Consider:

● In 2026, Ashtami and Navami tithis fall close together. Ashtami Tithi is present at sunrise on 19 October and ends later that morning, after which Navami begins. Hence, some Navratri rituals that are performed on Ashtami or Navami may be observed on the same calendar day.

● Tithi & muhurat timings differ based on location. Therefore, refer to your local Panchang for the exact timing

Ashtami is the high point of Navratri for many devotees, and below are the main reasons why:

● Maa Mahagauri: Her form is calm and radiant. Devotees link her with purity, peace and compassion. Many pray to her for strength and a peaceful mind.

● Victory of Shakti: This day recalls Maa Durga's win over “Adharma and evil forces.”

● Kanya Pujan: Many families invite “young girls home,” as they are seen as forms of the “divine feminine.” Their feet are washed with respect. They are then offered “bhog and dakshina.”

● Sandhi Puja: The transition from “Ashtami” to “Navami” is observed as “Sandhi puja” in several traditions, especially during “Bengali Durga puja.” It marks a sacred junction between the two tithis and is dedicated to the “fierce form” of Maa Durga.

Devotees observe Durga Ashtami as per their family and regional traditions. Some keep a fast throughout all nine days of Navratri, while others fast only on the first and the last day. Some perform Maha Ashtami puja at home, while some visit a Maa Durga temple. Apart from this, devotees also perform:

● Kanya Pujan: It is a tradition in which young girls are welcomed and worshipped as manifestations of Maa Durga. Families wash their feet, apply tilak, offer flowers and serve them halwa, puri and kala chana. “Dakshina” (small gifts) may also be offered.

● Durga Ashtami Havan: Some families perform havan after the main “Ashtami puja” and offer “Ahuti” while reciting mantras like “Om Hreem Dum Durgayai Namaha Swaha” or “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche Swah.” Meanwhile some perform the concluding havan on “Navami,” as per their family tradition.

● Sandhi Puja: During the “Sandhi period” (dusk), devotees perform special prayers to Maa Durga, light lamps, offer flowers and bhog, and recite mantras. In Bengali Durga puja traditions, 108 lamps and 108 lotuses are also offered during this puja.

The samagri may vary depending on the family tradition and various other factors. Hence, are the common items that are used in Ashtami puja in most of the households:

● Maa Mahagauri or Maa Durga idol or picture

● Kalash

● Coconut

● Mango leaves

● Clean Red cloth

● Roli and Kumkum

● Akshat

● Flowers

● Diya

● Ghee or oil

● Dhoop or incense

● Fruits

● Coconut

● Betel leaves and nuts

● Moli or Kalawa

● Bhog ingredients

● Havan samagri (if performing havan)

● Dakshina and gifts for Kanya Pujan

● Wake up, take a bath and wear clean clothes

● Clean the puja area and keep the “Kalash” and “Maa Durga” idol or picture on a clean chowki

● Light a diya and begin the puja

● Offer flowers, kumkum, akshat, and fruits to Maa Durga or Maa Mahagauri

● Recite Durga mantras like “Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute,” or “Durga Saptashati”

● Perform “havan” and then do “kanya pujan”

● Perform Maa Durga's aarti and distribute the prasad

When is Durga Ashtami in 2026?

When is Kanya Pujan performed in 2026?

Can Havan be performed on Durga Ashtami?

What colour clothes should I wear on Durga Ashtami?