NEW DELHI : Ashtami, the eighth day of Sharad Navratri, is one of the most important days of the festival. Also called Maha Ashtami or Durga Ashtami, it is the day devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga. This year, the Ashtami tithi begins tomorrow, Sunday, October 18, 2026, but the main rituals will be observed on Monday, October 19. Since it is being observed around 2 days, there is a lot of confusion. Here is everything you need to know.
Ashtami Tithi Timing
- The Ashtami tithi begins on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 08:27 AM and ends on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 10:51 AM.
- Since the tithi is present at sunrise on Monday, most households and temples will mark Durga Ashtami on October 19.
Sandhi Puja Muhurat
The Sandhi Puja is held at the exact point where Ashtami ends and Navami begins. It covers the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami. On October 19, the Sandhi Puja muhurat is from 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM, a window of 48 minutes.
This is believed to be the moment when Goddess Durga took the form of Maa Chamunda and killed the demons Chanda and Munda. During the puja, devotees offer 108 lotus flowers and light 108 diyas. In Bengal, this ritual is a key part of Durga Puja, and the sound of dhak drums fills the pandals at this hour.
Kanya Puja
Kanya Puja, also called Kanjak, is one of the most loved rituals of Ashtami. Young girls, usually between two and ten years of age, are invited home and worshipped as forms of the Goddess. Their feet are washed, a red tilak is applied, and they are served halwa, puri and black chana. They are then given gifts or money before being sent off with respect. Many families also invite a young boy, seen as a form of Bhairav.
The best time for Kanya Puja on October 19 is in the morning, while the Ashtami tithi is still active, that is, before 10:51 AM. Some families follow the tradition of a combined Kanya Puja, which they perform as Navami begins at 10:52 AM.
Key Timings
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: October 18, 2026, 08:27 AM
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: October 19, 2026, 10:51 AM
- Sandhi Puja: 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM, October 19
- Kanya Puja: Morning of October 19, before 10:51 AM
- Vrat Parana: After 10:51 AM, October 19
