Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami or Mahashtami, is one of the most revered and significant days during the grand Durga Puja celebrations. In 2024, Durga Ashtami will be observed on Friday, October 11. This auspicious day holds immense importance for devotees of Goddess Durga, as it is dedicated to worshipping all nine forms of the Goddess, symbolizing divine feminine power and strength.
Durga Ashtami 2024: Date and Time
| Event | Day/Date |
| Durgashtami | Friday, October 11, 2024 |
| Ashtami Tithi Begins | 12:31 PM on Oct 10, 2024 |
| Ashtami Tithi Ends | 12:06 PM on Oct 11, 2024 |
Durga Ashtami 2024: Significance
Maha Ashtami, the second day of Durga Puja, is celebrated with great fervor and devotion, especially in West Bengal and other parts of eastern India. The day begins with Mahasnan and Shodashopachar Puja—a ritual bath and worship following sixteen traditional steps. This Puja ritual is similar to the one performed on Maha Saptami, except for the Prana Pratishtha, which is conducted only on the first day of Durga Puja to infuse life into the idol of Goddess Durga.
During Maha Ashtami, nine small pots are placed, and the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navdurga, are invoked in these pots. This ritual symbolizes the worship of the divine feminine energy in her various manifestations. Devotees believe that worshipping the Navdurga on this day brings protection, strength, and prosperity.
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Durga Ashtami 2024: Kanya Pujan
Another notable tradition observed on Durga Ashtami is Kumari Puja, where young unmarried girls are honored and worshipped as embodiments of Goddess Durga herself. Kumari Puja is performed in many regions during all nine days of Navratri, but it is especially prominent on Maha Ashtami. Young girls, adorned in beautiful attire, are offered special prayers, food, and gifts to recognize their innocence and purity, which are believed to be representative of the Goddess.
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Durga Ashtami 2024: Sandhi Puja Rituals
One of the most significant rituals performed on Maha Ashtami is Sandhi Puja, which marks the transitional juncture between Ashtami and Navami Tithi. The ritual is performed during the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami. This period, known as Sandhi Kaal, is considered highly auspicious and is regarded as the moment when Goddess Durga transformed into Chamunda to slay the demons Chanda and Munda. Sandhi Puja is celebrated with the lighting of 108 earthen lamps, offering of special prayers, and chanting of sacred hymns.
During this holy juncture, a symbolic Bali (sacrifice) is also offered. While animal sacrifice is customary in some regions, most devotees perform a symbolic offering using vegetables such as banana, cucumber, or pumpkin. For communities that prohibit animal sacrifice, including Brahmins, symbolic offerings are made in adherence to their traditions.
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Durga Ashtami 2024: Rituals
The day of Durga Ashtami is marked by various rituals and customs, which include:
- Mahasnan and Shodashopachar Puja: Ritualistic bathing and sixteen-step worship are performed to honor Goddess Durga.
- Invocation of Navdurga: Nine small pots are installed, representing the nine forms of the Goddess.
- Kumari Puja: Worship of young girls as living embodiments of Goddess Durga.
- Sandhi Puja: A special worship held during the holy juncture of Ashtami and Navami, considered the most auspicious moment of the festival.
- Symbolic Bali or Sacrifice: A ritual offering made using fruits or vegetables, depending on the community’s practices.
As devotees prepare for the celebrations of Durga Ashtami in 2024, may Goddess Durga bless everyone with strength, courage, and wisdom to overcome life's challenges and emerge victorious, just as she did during her battle against evil forces.
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