Shardiya Navratri is a nine-day festival celebrated across India in different ways and traditions of the particular region are at the fore. In Gujarat, it is celebrated with nine nights of Garba dance. In West Bengal, it is known as Durga Puja. The eighth day of Shardiya Navratri is known as Maha Ashtami, also known as Durgashtami.
Some regions like Kerala celebrate the last three days. Ghatasthapana is most common in nearly all areas of India. A decorated brass, copper or mud pot filled with water is kept on a bed of rice, along with other auspicious items in the household puja room or place. A lamp is kept lit by its side for nine days and nights. Puja and worship with flowers etc are done here for nine days.
Ashtami is the holy festival celebrated during Durga Puja. Here are Maha Ashtami 2024 date puja rituals and celebration ideas for the day.
Maha Ashtami 2024 Date – Durga Ashtami
Maha Gauri
The eighth day of Shardiya Navratri is known as Maha Ashtami and the Mahagauri form of Durga Mata is worshipped on this day. This year in 2024 Ashtami falls on 11th October. This is the second of the three most important days of Durga Puja. This is a part of the nine-day Navratri festival, but these three days are when elaborate pujas are done.
On this eight-day, the pujas and rituals are similar to those done on Maha Saptami. Only one of the rituals Pran Pratishtha is not repeated as it needs to be done only on the first day.
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Maha Ashtami 2024 Date & Time
Ashtami Tithi Begins – October 10, 12:32 PM
Ashtami Tithi Ends – October 11, 12:07 PM
Maha Ashtami 2024 Rituals
Maha Ashtami is considered the peak of the Durga Puja festivals, where devotees offer their heartfelt devotion and gratitude to the goddess. Seeking her divine intervention to overcome all challenges and obstacles.
The key rituals of Maha Ashtami Puja:
Mahasnan
The Maha Ashtami Puja begins with a ceremonial bath known as Mahasnan for Goddess Durga’s idol or Picture. It is symbolic of the purification of mind and body before worship.
The Shodashopachara Puja is performed where the Goddess is invoked with various offerings like flowers, rice, kumkum, clothes, jewellery, fruits and sweets.
Pushpanjali
Offering flowers at Goddess’s feet while chanting prayers. This symbolizes devotion and seeking blessings from the Goddess.
Kumari Puja
In this ritual, nine pots representing the nine Shaktis are placed and the Goddess is invoked. Nine girls below the age of ten are considered to be the Goddess and worshipped ritualistically. They are fed a lavish meal after the puja. In some regions, this ritual is done on all nine days of Navratri.
Sandhi Puja
This is a puja that is done in the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami. This is considered a highly auspicious time and devotees light 108 lamps and offer 108 lotus to Maa Durga during this period. This marks the moment when she defeated the demons, Chanda and Munda.
Symbolic Sacrifices
In some traditions include symbolic sacrifices, usually using Pumpkin or Coconut, symbolizing the end of evil.
Sacred Fire (Homa)
Devotees perform a small fire ritual by offering things like Ghee and Grains into the fire while chanting mantras. This is done to purify the environment and invite blessings of Goddess Durga.
Offer Prasad and Breaking Fast
After the Puja, offer the Prasad that was used in worship to everyone, especially those who have been fasting. Devotees can break fast after Kanya Puja by eating food prepared for Goddess.
Maha Ashtami is the eighth day of the nine-day celebrations during which people are filled with joy and gay abandon. They buy new clothes, gadgets, cars and whatever else they can afford.
Mithais, lavish meals at homes or at the homes of friends and relatives are a part of these celebrations. Navratri and Durga Puja is a time when goodwill and brotherhood rule.
Also Read: Importance of Durga Puja
| Puja Tithi and Muhurat | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Aashtami Tithi 2024 | October 10 at 12:32 PM to October 11 at 12:07 PM |
| Sandhi Puja Timing 2024 | October 11, between 11:43 AM to 12:31 PM |
FAQs
Maha Ashtami holds great significance in Navratri and on this day Maa Durga gets victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
Ashtami in 2024 is on 11th October where Maha Gauri is worshipped an 8th form of Durga Mata.
The Maha Ashtami begins on october 10 at 12:32 PM and ends on October 11 at 12:07.
Maha Ashtami is an special day to start any new work or business.
Pink or purple – associated with love, kindness and femininity and good to wear on Ashtami.
