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The eighth day of Navratri, celebrated as Maha Ashtami or Durga Ashtami, is one of the most sacred and significant days in the Hindu calendar. This auspicious occasion is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga in her fiercest forms, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

Durga Ashtami 2025 Date and Timings

This year, Durga Ashtami will be observed on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

• Ashtami Tithi Begins: September 29, 2025, at 4:31 PM
• Ashtami Tithi Ends: September 30, 2025, at 6:06 PM

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi falls on the bright lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashvina, which usually corresponds to late September or early October.

Auspicious Muhurat for Durga Ashtami 2025

• Morning Muhurat: 5:00 AM – 6:12 AM
• Midday Muhurat: 10:40 AM – 12:10 PM

Devotees are advised to avoid performing rituals during Rahu Kaal, which falls in the afternoon.

The inauguration of Durja Puja will be telecast on Siticable from 7:30 pm and on YouTube live from this channel

Durga Ashtami Puja Vidhi (Rituals)

Durga Ashtami begins with Mahasnan (a sacred bath) followed by the Shodashopachar Puja (16-step ritual). On this day, devotees perform various significant rituals:

• Installation of Nine Pots (Kalash Sthapana): Symbolising the invocation of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, these pots are placed and worshipped throughout the day.
• Kumari Puja (Kanya Pujan): Young unmarried girls, aged between 2 and 10 years, are worshipped as living embodiments of Goddess Durga. Their feet are washed, and they are offered puri, halwa, and black chana, along with gifts.
• Sandhi Puja: Performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami, the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami are considered the most auspicious. This is believed to be the time when Goddess Durga transformed into Chamunda to slay demons Chanda and Munda.
• Bali Rituals: In traditional practices, animal sacrifices were performed, but in modern times, fruits, pumpkins, and other symbolic offerings are used instead.

Significance of Durga Ashtami

Durga Ashtami is more than just a religious observance; it represents divine feminine power, purity, and protection. On this day, all nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped collectively.

• It is believed that worshipping Maa Durga on Ashtami removes negative influences, grants strength, and brings prosperity.
• Kumari Puja highlights the sanctity of innocence and purity, celebrating the divinity of young girls.
• The rituals also emphasise courage, sacrifice, and the eternal victory of truth over falsehood.

Traditional Bhog and Offerings

Durga Puja festivities are incomplete without delicious bhog (prasad) offered to Maa Durga and later shared among devotees. On Ashtami, traditional delicacies include:

• Khichdi (rice and lentil dish)
• Mixed vegetables and tomato chutney
• Papad (crispy snack)
• Payesh (rice kheer/pudding)
• Roshogolla (sweet delicacy of Bengal)

These offerings continue through Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami, uniting communities in devotion and celebration.

Navratri Navami 2025 Kanya Pujan: Auspicious Date and Muhurat — September 30 or October 1?

Conclusion

Durga Ashtami 2025 will be observed on September 30, 2025, with rituals beginning early in the morning and continuing until evening. The Auspicious Muhurat is between 10:40 AM and 12:10 PM, making it the ideal time for devotees to perform prayers, Kumari Puja, and Sandhi Puja.

As families gather in temples and pandals across India and beyond, this day serves as a reminder of the eternal strength of Maa Durga and her blessings of health, prosperity, and protection.

🌸 Happy Durga Ashtami 2025! Jai Mata Di! 🌸

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