Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is one of the most sacred and significant days during the Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations. This day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga in her fierce and powerful form, with devotees performing special rituals, prayers, and offerings. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Durga Ashtami, including its date, auspicious timings, and the traditional rituals.
Durga Ashtami 2025 Date and Timings
This year, Durga Ashtami will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 30. According to Drik Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi will begin on September 29 at 4:31 PM and end on September 30 at 6:06 PM. Devotees are encouraged to perform puja during this period to ensure its spiritual significance.
When to Perform Kanya Pujan
One of the most important rituals on Maha Ashtami is Kanya Pujan, where young girls are worshipped as manifestations of Goddess Durga’s divine energy. In 2025, the first auspicious window for this ritual is from 5:00 AM to 6:12 AM, followed by a second period from 10:40 AM to 12:10 PM.
Durga Ashtami 2025 Puja Vidhi and Rituals
The day begins with devotees taking a holy bath, wearing clean clothes, and pledging (sankalp) to offer their devotion with purity. The worship ritual begins by setting up the altar and purifying the idol of Goddess Durga. The idol is then dressed in traditional garments and placed on a red or yellow cloth, with the area decorated with rangoli, flowers, and lamps.
The ritual of Kalash Sthapana is performed by placing nine small pots in the name of Goddess Durga, invoking her blessings. Offerings include tilak with kumkum or roli, lighting incense sticks and lamps, and presenting flowers, fruits, and sweets. A key highlight of this day is Kanya Puja, where nine young girls are invited, their feet are washed, and they are given food along with gifts and blessings.
Devotees then chant Durga Saptashati verses, mantras, stuti, and stotra, followed by aarti with utmost devotion. The worship concludes with the offering of bhog and Panchamrit to Goddess Durga, after which prasad is distributed among family members, staff, or fellow devotees.
Significance of Durga Ashtami
The eighth day of Navratri, known as Mahashtami, holds great significance in Hindu tradition. It is believed to be the day when Goddess Durga triumphed over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Worshipping Goddess Durga on this day is thought to bring strength, courage, peace, and prosperity while shielding devotees from negative influences and obstacles. Her blessings are believed to offer comfort, abundance, and guidance to all those who revere her.
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