Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of the Navratri celebrations. Durgashtami is also known as Mahashtami and is one of the important days of Durga Puja and a fast is undertaken by many people. In 2025, the date of Durga Ashtami is September 30. Weapons of Goddess Durga are worshipped on the day and it is known Astra Puja. The day is also known as Virashtami as there are displays using arms or martial arts. It is one of the most important day for Goddess Worship in Hindu religion.
Please note - Chaitra Durga Ashtami will be observed on April 5, 2025.
There is also a belief in some regions that Goddess Kali appeared from the forehead of Durga on this day to annihilate Chanda and Munda and Raktabija. During the Durga Puja rituals on Mahashtami day the 64 Yoginis and Ashta Nayikas – the eight consorts – of Durga are also worshipped.
Please note - Chaitra Durga Ashtami will be observed on April 5, 2025.
There is also a belief in some regions that Goddess Kali appeared from the forehead of Durga on this day to annihilate Chanda and Munda and Raktabija. During the Durga Puja rituals on Mahashtami day the 64 Yoginis and Ashta Nayikas – the eight consorts – of Durga are also worshipped.
The eight consorts of Durga, also known as Eight Shaktis, are interpreted differently in different regions of India
The Ashta Nayikas that are worshipped during Durga Puja are Brahmani, Maheswari, Kameswari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Indrani and Chamunda.
Numerous minor deities including many attendants and guards of Durga are worshipped on the day.
A fast is observed by staunch Durga devotees on Durga Ashtami. Both men and women observe the fast. Shakti temples conduct special pujas on the day and are visited by millions of devotees.
Durgashtami day ends with Sandhi puja, which overlaps into the next day which is the Mahanavami day.
Another important puja on the day is the Mahanisha puja.
Books, pen, musical instruments, and other implements used for making a living are kept for puja in the evening on Ashtami day. It is then taken on the morning of Vijayadashami.
Another important puja on the day is the Mahanisha puja.
Books, pen, musical instruments, and other implements used for making a living are kept for puja in the evening on Ashtami day. It is then taken on the morning of Vijayadashami.