All you need to know about Durga Ashtami 2026
Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of Navratri, celebrated across different parts of India. On this day, Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped – an idol of Goddess Durga who stands as a symbol of energy, power, and the victory of goodness over evil. Let’s talk about Durga Ashtami in detail – when it’s celebrated every year, why it’s celebrated, and how it’s observed with customs, rituals, and shopping for the festival.
When does Durga Ashtami get celebrated
Durga Ashtami is celebrated on the 8th day of Navratri, which begins in the Indian month of Ashwin as Mahalaya. It comes in Shukla Paksha and, according to the Gregorian Calendar, is celebrated in the month of September-October every year. In 2026, Durga Ashtami will be observed on Monday, 19th October.
Story of Durga Ashtami
According to mythological stories, it is said that Goddess Kali emerged from the forehead of Goddess Durga and killed the demon kings Chanda and Munda, along with Mahishasur. Since then, every year Durga Ashtami is celebrated and Goddess Durga is worshipped for 9 days continuously.
It is also said that on this day, Goddess Durga killed a Tantrik named Bhaironath in the form of Vaishno Devi. This incident is linked to the establishment of Vaishno Devi’s history, and the famous Bhairavnath Mandir is said to be situated at the very place where Goddess Durga cut down Bhairavnath.
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Another name of Durga Ashtami
Durga Ashtami, also known as Mahashtami, is celebrated across India, but is more famous in a few regions – especially West Bengal.
Rituals of Durga Ashtami
- Devotees of Goddess Durga observe a fast on this auspicious day.
- All the weapons used by Devi Durga to kill Mahishasur are worshipped with full rituals and recitation of mantras – this ritual is known as Astra Pooja.
- This day is also called Veera Ashtami, as various martial artists showcase their weapons and skills.
- During worship, 8 idols of the Devi forms known as Ashta Nayika are also worshipped – including Brahmani, Indrani, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narsingh, Kameshwari, Maheshwari, and Chamunda.
- Worship of Devi Durga is done by offering sandalwood, flowers, fruits, sweets, supari, cardamom, and coins, which are then distributed among family members.
- Deep Daan is performed for the goddess, and the Durga Saptashati Mantra is recited multiple times.
- Alongside this, the 64 Yoginis associated with the goddess are also worshipped.
- On this day, other gods and protector deities are worshipped as well.
- Durga Ashtami also honours Gauri Devi, where nine young girls are worshipped – their feet are washed, and they’re offered halwa made of suji, milk, ghee, and dry fruits, along with puri and chana.
Small and big temples hold special recitations. Durga Ashtami concludes with Sandhi Pooja, and the next day, Maha Navami begins. Devotees who observe a fast on this day are believed to receive the blessings of Maa Durga.
Auspicious dates of Durga Ashtami 2026
Sunrise 19 October 2026 at approx. 6:16 AM
Sunset 19 October 2026 at approx. 5:51 PM
Ashtami Starts – 18 October 2026 at 08:27 AM
Ashtami Ends – 19 October 2026 at 10:51 AM
Sandhi Pooja – 19 October 2026, from 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM
Prepare for Navratri fasting and daily goddess worship with proper rituals – read more here: – Maa Shailaputri | Maa Brahmacharini | Maa Chandraghanta | Maa Kushmanda | Maa Skandamata | Maa Katyayani | Maa Kalaratri | Maa Mahagauri | Maa Siddhidatri | Shardiya Navratri 2026 Date |Shardiya Navratri 2026