Chaitra Durga Ashtami 2026 date time significance rituals and puja vidhi explained

Durga Ashtami, also known as Mahashtami, will be celebrated on March 26, 2026, during the ongoing Chaitra Navratri. The day falls on the Ashtami tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Maha Gauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga. Devotees across the country observe the day with devotion and enthusiasm.

Navratri is considered one of the most sacred periods for worshipping Goddess Durga, with each day dedicated to one of her nine forms.

Chaitra Durga Ashtami 2026 date and time

Ashtami tithi begins on March 25, 2026, at 01:50 PM

Ashtami tithi ends on March 26, 2026, at 11:48 AM

Significance of Chaitra Durga Ashtami

Chaitra Durga Ashtami holds great religious and spiritual importance in Hindu tradition. The day marks the eighth day of Navratri and is dedicated to Goddess Maha Gauri, symbolising purity, peace and wisdom.

According to Hindu scriptures, Goddess Durga appeared as the divine feminine energy after being worshipped by gods following the defeat of powerful demons. She is regarded as the mother of the universe and is associated with creation, preservation and destruction. Depicted with ten arms holding various weapons, she represents the power to protect her devotees.

The day also commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over evil forces, including demons such as Chand Mund, Shumbh Nishumbh, Raktabeej and Mahishasura.

Durga Ashtami rituals and what devotees do

On Durga Ashtami, devotees perform Kanya Puja by inviting nine young girls, symbolising the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The ritual includes washing their feet, applying tika on their foreheads and offering them sattvik food such as halwa, poori and chana.

Devotees also present gifts and dakshina to the girls and seek their blessings by touching their feet after the ritual. Many people also engage in charity by distributing food, fruits and clothes to the underprivileged.

The day symbolises the victory of good over evil and is observed with devotion, reverence and joy.

Durga mantras

1. Om Devi Maha Gaurya Namah..!!
2. Om Sarva Mangal Mangalayayei Shive Sarvartha Sadhike..! Sharanyayi Triambike Gauri Narayani Namostute..!!
3. Sarvabadha Vnirmukto Dhan Dhaanyaye Sutavvitaha..! Manushyo Matprasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sanshayah..!!