Durga Ashtami 2026: Is It on 25 or 26 March? Date and Kanya Pujan Timings Explained The eighth day of Chaitra Navratri, known as Durga Ashtami or Mahashtami, is a significant day dedicated to worshipping Maa Mahagauri, the eighth avatar of Goddess Durga. Devotees observe rituals and perform Kanya Pujan, a practice where young girls are honored and offered food, to seek blessings for prosperity and spiritual renewal. This day holds deep cultural and religious importance, marking a key moment in the Navratri festival. The date of Durga Ashtami has caused some confusion due to the Ashtami tithi spanning two days. According to the Drik Panchang, the Chaitra Shukla Ashtami tithi begins at 1:50 pm on 25 March 2026 and ends at 11:48 am on 26 March 2026. Based on the Udaya tithi, the observance of Durga Ashtami will fall on Thursday, 26 March 2026. This clarification helps devotees determine the correct day for rituals and prayers. Kanya Pujan is a central ritual during Chaitra Navratri, with Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami being particularly important. On Durga Ashtami, Kanya Pujan is performed on Thursday, 26 March, while Mahanavami Kanya Pujan takes place on Friday, 27 March. These days are considered auspicious for invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga and ensuring abundance. For those observing Kanya Pujan on Durga Ashtami, favorable timings on 26 March include the Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga from 6:17 am to 3:24 pm, the Abhijit Muhurat from 12:02 pm to 12:51 pm, and the Labh-Unnati Muhurat from 7:50 am to 9:22 am. Additionally, Ravi Yoga is considered favorable throughout the day. On 27 March, the same auspicious combinations enhance the significance of Mahanavami Kanya Pujan.#drik_panchang #chaitra_navratri #durga_ashtami #kanya_pujan #gurudev_sri_sri_ravi_shankar
Navratri 2026: Durga Ashtami Date, Auspicious Timings, and Significance The Ashtami tithi during the Chaitra Navratri festival holds special religious importance. Hindu scriptures emphasize its significance, with rituals performed on this day believed to yield profound spiritual benefits. Devotees honor Goddess Mahagauri, an eighth form of Devi Durga, on this occasion. The festival, which begins on March 19 and ends on March 27, 2026, is a public celebration in the Chaitra month. The Ashtami tithi during this period is particularly notable for its auspiciousness, marking a key day for worship and remedies. According to the Panchang, the Ashtami tithi for Chaitra Navratri 2026 will commence at 1:50 PM on Tuesday, March 25, and conclude at 11:49 AM on Wednesday, March 26. Since the sunrise on this tithi occurs on March 26, the celebration will take place on that day. Devotees observe the occasion by offering prayers to Goddess Mahagauri, who is also associated with the power of victory. The day is considered highly favorable for resolving legal disputes and overcoming obstacles. The auspicious timings for performing rituals on Ashtami include: 11:01 AM to 12:32 PM 12:08 PM to 12:56 PM (Abhijit Muhurat) 12:32 PM to 2:03 PM 2:03 PM to 3:34 PM Religious texts associate the Ashtami tithi with Lord Shiva, who is believed to be the deity of this day. It is also referred to as "Jaya Tithi," as any puja or remedy conducted on this day is said to bring swift and positive results. The day is considered ideal for rituals aimed at overcoming enemies or achieving success in court cases. Devotees are encouraged to follow specific remedies on Ashtami.#panchang #chaitra_navratri #navratri_2026 #durga_ashtami #mahagauri
