Ashtami is one of the most auspicious days and many people who cannot fast on all the nine Navratri days, keep the vrat on Ashtami. As the name suggests, Ashtami is the eighth day of Navratri. Ashtami will be observed on October 24, Saturday.
Durga Ashtami Date and Timings:
This year Ashtami Tithi will begin on October 23 at 6.57 am, which is till 6.58 am on October 24 the next day. In such a year, the fast of Maha Ashtami will be kept on 23 October. Goddess Mahagauri is worshiped on this day.
Durga Ashtami Significance:
Maha Ashtami is special among all the nine Navratri days. There are several puja rituals on Ashtami. Families mostly in the northern part of the country hold Kanjak, Kanya Puja, or Kanya Bhoj on Ashtami. Nine little girls – between five and nine years old – are invited and served a special meal of puri, Kala chana, and halwa.
On Ashtami, many families put up community kitchens to serve the poor and underprivileged in the neighborhood. However, this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, any activity which attracts a large number of people will not be allowed.
According to legends, the nine little girls symbolize the avatars of Goddess Durga. During Kanya Puja, the girls are seated near an idol or a photo of the goddess, their feet are washed and a red thread is tied on their wrist with best wishes. A red bindi or kumkum tika is put on their forehead. The girls are given decorated plates with food, coin, and small gifts.
Durga Puja is also known as Durgotsav wherein Goddess Durga is welcomed by the devotees and preparations for the 5-day festivity begin much in advance. People immerse themselves in devotion, enjoy the fun, and pandal-hopping remains a highlight besides many traditional rituals and practices strictly followed by Bengalis across the globe.
