Amid the ongoing Chaitra Navratri festivities, devotees are observing the sacred nine-day worship of Goddess Durga in her various forms. The eighth day holds particular importance, known as Ashtami or Mahashtami, dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth manifestation of the goddess.
This year, confusion has arisen regarding the exact date for Durga Ashtami due to the tithi timings, with many wondering whether it falls on March 25 or March 26.
According to Vedic panchang calculations, the Ashtami tithi of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month begins on March 25, 2026, at 1:50 pm and concludes on March 26, 2026, at 11:48 am. Observing the principle of Udaya tithi (the tithi prevailing at sunrise), Durga Ashtami will be celebrated on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
On this auspicious day, devotees perform rituals to invoke Maa Mahagauri, seeking her blessings for purity, peace, and the removal of obstacles.
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A key tradition associated with Durga Ashtami is Kanya Pujan, where young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the goddess, offered meals, and given gifts. This practice is believed to invite prosperity and divine grace into the home.
The shubh muhurat for Kanya Pujan on March 26 includes:
- First slot: From 6:18 am to 7:50 am.
- Second slot: From 10:55 am to 3:31 pm.
Devotees are encouraged to perform the aarti of Maa Mahagauri during the celebrations. The traditional aarti lyrics include lines such as “Jai Mahagauri Jagat Ki Maya, Jaya Uma Bhawani Jai Mahamaya,” praising her as the compassionate protector who resides in places like Haridwar-Kankhal and embodies various forms including Mahakali and Durga.
As Chaitra Navratri continues toward its culmination, this day serves as a focal point for intense devotion, with families across India engaging in prayers, fasting, and charitable acts to honor the goddess.
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