In 2028, Ashtami and Navami tithi fall on the same day (26 September), in such years, check a local panchang for the exact timing of Sandhi Puja and Kanya Pujan.
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 period that Durga slayed Chanda and Munda, two key demon commanders of Mahishasura's army.
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.
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 devotees observe a waterless fast on this day, taking food only after the evening Sandhi Puja.
During Sandhi Puja, 108 lamps are lit, and Maa Chamunda is offered flowers, coconut, and malpua as bhog. This puja is completed within the exact 48-minute Sandhi Kaal window, whose timing changes every year according to 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, this same day sees the grand Maha Ashtami puja in large pandals.
Durga Ashtami Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning and worship Maa Mahagauri, reciting Durga Saptashati or the Durga Chalisa. In the evening, during the Ashtami-Navami Sandhi Kaal, light 108 lamps and perform the Sandhi Puja for Maa Chamunda. Then worship nine young girls and one boy, offer them food and gifts, and break the fast.
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. The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
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, in some years, due to a shortened (kshaya) tithi, Ashtami and Navami fall on the same day, as in 2028. In such years, fix the timing of Sandhi Puja and Kanya Pujan according to the panchang.