Durga Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, October 23, 2020: The much-awaited festival of the year, Durga Puja has arrived and the entire country is celebrating Durga Ashtami with great enthusiasm and fervor. This year, Ashtami Tithi is starting on October 23, Friday at 06:57 in the morning, which will last till 06:58 in the morning on October 24. On this auspicious day, the eighth incarnation of Goddess Durga Mahagauri is worshipped including Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Durga Ashtami Puja Vidhi
On this day, devotees wake up early in the morning and take bath. People wear new clothes during puja. Place the idol of Goddess Durga and offer her Laal Chunri, long, karsi, mango leaf, Paan leaf, flowers and milk. After that, break Nariyal and keep it as a prasad for the devotees. Also, devotees make Halwa, Puri and Chana for prasad and distribute it among the young girls called kanya. This practice can be followed on Ram Navami.
Durga Ashtami Bhog Vidhi
Halwa-puri-chana is considered as authentic and idol hog for worshipping Goddess Durga. There is a huge role of Bhog in Sharadiya Ashtami and Navami.
Date, Time and Shubh Muhurat for Navami Puja
This year, Maha Navami Tithi will start on October 24 at 6 am and will conclude on October 25 October at 7:41 am. A few priests also believe that this year, Ashtami and Maha Navmi can be celebrated the same day. Instead of collaborating Saptami and Ashatami, devotees can collaborate Ashtami and Navami. On the last day, people do visarjan (immerse the idol Maa Durga in a pond/ river).
Navratri 2020 Kanya Pujan
Traditionally, devotees perform the Kanya pujan either on Ashtami or Navami by inviting nine little girls to their home. These little girls are hailed as the manifestations of the Mother Goddess. Devotees wash their feet, offer red chunri, new clothes, bangles and other shringar items. A feast is usually organised for the little girls, who epitomise the nine forms of Maa Durga.
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