Durga Ashtami — also called Mahashtami — is the eighth day of Navratri and one of the most powerful days of the festival. Dedicated to Goddess Durga in her fierce form, this day is marked by elaborate puja, the iconic Kanya Puja (worship of young girls as forms of the Goddess), and for many families, the spiritual peak of the nine-day celebration.
When is Mahashtami 2026
October 19, 2026
Mahashtami falls on the 8th day of Sharad Navratri (Ashwina, Shukla Ashtami) — the day before Maha Navami and Vijayadashami (Dussehra). The most auspicious puja time is typically in the morning hours, between 6:30 AM and 11:30 AM.
Significance
Mahashtami marks the day Goddess Durga is believed to have intensified her battle against the demon Mahishasura, embodying the triumph of good over evil at its peak. In Bengali tradition, this is also the day of "Sandhi Puja" — performed at the exact transition between Ashtami and Navami tithis, considered an extremely powerful 48-minute window. For many families, Mahashtami is the most elaborately celebrated day of Durga Puja/Navratri.
Mahashtami Samagri List
Step-by-Step Mahashtami Puja Vidhi
Wake early, take a purifying bath, and wear clean/new clothes — red is traditional
Clean and decorate the Devi altar with fresh flowers, especially red hibiscus
Light the diya and incense, offer roli, akshat, and flowers to the Durga idol/photo
Recite Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmya verses, or the simple mantra 'Om Dum Durgayei Namah'
Offer panchamrit and prasad to the deity
Perform Kanya Puja (detailed below) — typically done before or after the main aarti
If observing Sandhi Puja (Bengali tradition), perform this at the precise Ashtami-Navami transition with 108 diyas, flowers, and special offerings
Conclude with aarti, sung by the whole family
Distribute prasad to all family members and guests
Kanya Puja — Step by Step
Kanya Puja involves inviting young girls (typically aged 2-10, before they reach puberty) into the home and worshipping them as living embodiments of Goddess Durga's energy (Shakti). This is one of the most cherished traditions of Mahashtami.
Invite an odd number of young girls (commonly 9, representing the Navadurga, though any number works)
Wash the girls' feet as a gesture of respect — symbolizing washing the feet of the Goddess herself
Apply tilak on their foreheads
Tie a red thread (mauli) on their wrists
Seat them and offer a meal — typically puri, chana (chickpea curry), and halwa
Offer gifts — new clothes, bangles, bindis, money, or sweets
Touch their feet and seek blessings before they leave
Some families also include a young boy (Langoor/Bhairav) representing Lord Bhairav alongside the girls
💡 Family tradition tip
If your family hosts Kanya Puja each year, photograph the girls who attend and note their names — many families find it meaningful that the same families' daughters participate year after year, becoming part of an ongoing community tradition.
New to Navratri? Start with our complete 9-day Navratri guide.