Durga Ashtami, also called Maha Ashtami, is one of the most sacred days during Durga Puja, celebrated with immense devotion and reverence. In 2024, this occasion falls on Friday, October 11, marking a special day for devotees of Goddess Durga, as it honors all nine forms of the Goddess, each representing different aspects of feminine strength and power.
Durga Ashtami 2024: Date and Timings
Event: Durga Ashtami
Date: Friday, October 11, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Begins: 12:31 PM on October 10, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Ends: 12:06 PM on October 11, 2024
Significance of Durga Ashtami
Maha Ashtami, observed during Durga Puja, is especially prominent in West Bengal and other parts of eastern India. The day starts with the Mahasnan (ritual bath) and Shodashopachar Puja (a sixteen-step worship ritual), similar to the one performed on Maha Saptami, except for the Prana Pratishtha, which is only done on the first day of the festival to bring life to the Goddess’s idol.
On this day, nine small pots are used to invoke the Navdurga—the nine forms of Goddess Durga. This symbolizes the worship of her diverse manifestations, believed to provide protection, strength, and prosperity to devotees.
Kanya Pujan on Durga Ashtami
Kanya Puja is another important custom on Durga Ashtami. In this ritual, young unmarried girls are worshipped as personifications of Goddess Durga. These girls, often dressed in bright attire, are offered prayers, food, and gifts to celebrate their purity and innocence, which are seen as representations of the divine.
Sandhi Puja Rituals
One of the most sacred moments of Durga Ashtami is Sandhi Puja, which occurs during the transition between Ashtami and Navami Tithi. This time, known as Sandhi Kaal, is believed to be when Goddess Durga transformed into Chamunda to defeat the demons Chanda and Munda. Sandhi Puja includes the lighting of 108 lamps and special prayers. A symbolic offering or sacrifice, called Bali, is also made, often using fruits or vegetables like bananas, pumpkins, or cucumbers, depending on regional customs.
Rituals of Durga Ashtami
Durga Ashtami is observed through various customs and rituals, including:
- Mahasnan and Shodashopachar Puja: Devotees take a ritualistic bath and perform a sixteen-step worship.
- Navdurga Invocation: The nine forms of the Goddess are invoked in small pots.
- Kumari Puja: Young girls are honored as living embodiments of Goddess Durga.
- Sandhi Puja: Conducted at the junction between Ashtami and Navami, regarded as the most auspicious time of the festival.
- Symbolic Bali (Sacrifice): Offerings, usually fruits or vegetables, are made, depending on community practices.
Durga Ashtami is a day of intense spirituality, where rituals are performed to honor Goddess Durga in her most powerful forms. This celebration unites communities and strengthens cultural and religious bonds. It is believed that through heartfelt devotion and observance of these traditions, devotees receive the blessings of the Goddess, ensuring their protection, prosperity, and well-being.
As Durga Ashtami 2024 approaches, may Goddess Durga grant strength, courage, and wisdom to all, helping us overcome life’s difficulties, just as she overcame evil in her divine battle.
