Durga Ashtami

Durga Ashtami (also called Maha Ashtami) is celebrated on the eighth day of the nine-day festival of Navaratri. This day is considered extremely important for the worship of Goddess Durga and is celebrated with special reverence and devotion across India. Durga Ashtami is the holiest day of Navratri, when people worship the Mahishasuramardini form of Goddess Durga, which symbolizes strength, courage, and the victory of good over evil.

Significance of Durga Ashtami

Killing of Mahishasura: On this day, Goddess Durga started the decisive phase of the battle to kill Mahishasura. The Goddess is considered a symbol of Mahashakti, and devotees wish to gain strength, courage and prosperity by worshipping on this day.

Kanya Pujan: In many places, Kanya Pujan is performed on this day. In this, nine small girls are considered as the symbol of nine forms of Goddess Durga, their feet are washed, they are fed and they are given gifts. This is called "Kanya Pujan" or "Kumari Puja". This puja is the worship of the child form of the Goddess, which symbolizes innocence and purity.

Mahagauri Puja: On the eighth day of Navratri, the Mahagauri form of Goddess Durga is worshipped. Mahagauri is considered the goddess of peace, purity, and knowledge. Worshiping her brings peace and happiness in life.

Rituals of the Occasion: On this day, people perform special rituals and havan, in which they chant mantras, prayers and follow special worship methods to please Goddess Durga. Many places organize mass Durga Saptashati or Chandi Paath.

Celebrations and Rituals of Durga Ashtami

Paath of Saptashati: Durga Saptashati, which is the saga of the valor and power of Goddess Durga, is recited. This Paath is especially done to attain power, prosperity and success. Havan: Many people perform havan on this day, in which materials dedicated to the Goddess are put into the fire. Havan is considered a source of purification and positive energy. Fasting: Devotees observe fast on the day of Durga Ashtami and eat only fruits or special fast food. This fast is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is considered a means of self-purification. Kanya Pujan: Along with nine girls, a boy is also invited, who is considered a symbol of Lord Hanuman. During Kanya Pujan, girls are worshipped as the form of the goddess, they are fed and given gifts.

Bhog and Prasad on the occasion of Durga Ashtami

On this day, special bhogs are offered to the goddess, which include halwa, puri, chickpea curry, and sweets. After the puja, this bhog is distributed among the devotees as prasad.

Cultural aspects of Durga Ashtami festival

Ashtami is the main day of Durga Puja in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Northeast India. Specially observed on this day is Sandhi Puja, which is performed at the junction of Ashtami and Navami. It is considered to be the most important ritual of Durga Puja. Durga Ashtami is not only religiously and spiritually significant, but it is also seen as a symbol of strength, courage, and self-confidence. By worshipping on this day, devotees wish to awaken their inner strength and gain the courage to fight the evils and hardships in life.