In 2026, Ashtami tithi runs from 8:27 AM on 18 October to 10:51 AM on 19 October, so Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami both fall on Monday, 19 October. The Sandhi Puja is 10:27 to 11:15 AM, and Ashtami's Kanya Pujan should be done before 10:51 AM (New Delhi). In Bengal, Maha Ashtami is also on 19 October.
Significance of Durga Ashtami
Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of Shardiya Navratri, on which Maa Mahagauri, the form following Kalaratri, is worshipped. It is believed that on this very tithi, the goddess Chamunda slayed the demons Chanda and Munda, which is why the fierce form of Shakti, Chamunda, is also worshipped on this day.
The junction between the end of Ashtami tithi and the start of Navami tithi is considered the most powerful and auspicious moment, which is why 'Sandhi Puja' is performed during this window. It is said that it was in this very junction that the Goddess, as Chamunda, slew Chanda and Munda, two generals of Shumbha and Nishumbha, the story told in the seventh chapter of the Durga Saptashati.
In many places, Kanya Pujan is also performed on Ashtami, in which young girls are worshipped as living forms of the goddess. In Bengal's Durga Puja, this day is called 'Maha Ashtami' and is celebrated with special grandeur.
Mahagauri means the one of radiant fair complexion. It is believed that her severe penance to win Shiva had darkened her body, and that Shiva, pleased, bathed her in the water of the Ganga, making her shine. She wears white, rides a bull and holds a trishul and a damaru. Her favourite bhog is coconut.
How Durga Ashtami Is Celebrated
On this day, devotees bathe in the morning and worship Maa Mahagauri, reciting Durga Saptashati or the Durga Chalisa. Many keep a nirjala or fruit-only fast. Many North Indian families break the fast after the Kanya Pujan, while the scriptural parana is done once Navami ends and Dashami begins.
During Sandhi Puja, 108 lamps are lit and Maa Chamunda is offered 108 lotuses or red flowers. The puja is completed within the exact 48-minute Sandhi Kaal, which can fall at any hour of the day or night and whose timing changes every year with the panchang.
In Kanya Pujan, the feet of nine young girls (and one boy, honoured as a form of Bhairav) are washed and a tilak applied, and they are served halwa-puri-chana as bhog along with clothes or a gift. In Bengal, pushpanjali is offered on this morning while fasting, and in places such as Belur Math a young girl is worshipped as the Goddess herself in the Kumari Puja.
Durga Ashtami Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning, worship Maa Mahagauri with a coconut as bhog, and recite the Durga Saptashati or Durga Chalisa. While Ashtami tithi lasts, worship nine young girls and one boy and give them food and gifts. In the Ashtami-Navami Sandhi Kaal given in the panchang, light 108 lamps and perform the Sandhi Puja for Maa Chamunda.
About Durga Ashtami
Durga Ashtami is considered the eighth and most powerful day of Shardiya Navratri, marked by the worship of Maa Mahagauri, the Sandhi Puja tied to the legend of Chanda-Munda's slaying, and Kanya Pujan. This page covers Ashtami's significance, Sandhi Puja's auspicious timing, the Kanya Pujan vidhi, and Bengal's Maha Ashtami tradition.
See the separate pages for Navratri's other days, such as Ghatasthapana, Maha Navami, and Dussehra.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Durga Ashtami observed?
Durga Ashtami is observed on the eighth day of Shardiya Navratri, on Ashwin Shukla Ashtami tithi.
What is Sandhi Puja?
Sandhi Puja is the worship performed during the 48-minute junction between the end of Ashtami tithi and the start of Navami tithi, considered the most auspicious and powerful moment, dedicated to Maa Chamunda.
What is the age range for Kanya Pujan?
Girls generally between 2 and 10 years of age are worshipped, regarded as the living form of the goddess.
Can Ashtami and Navami fall on the same day?
Yes. When Ashtami tithi ends a few hours after sunrise, Navami begins the same day, as on 19 October 2026. In such years, do the Ashtami worship and Kanya Pujan while Ashtami lasts, and the Navami havan after it.
When is Durga Ashtami in 2026?
Durga Ashtami 2026 is on Monday, 19 October. Ashtami tithi lasts until 10:51 AM that day, and the Sandhi Puja is 10:27 to 11:15 AM (New Delhi).
What bhog is offered to Maa Mahagauri on Ashtami?
Coconut is considered Maa Mahagauri's favourite bhog. At Kanya Pujan, the girls are served halwa, puri and black chana as prasad.