When is Durga Ashtami Celebrated?
Durga Ashtami, also called Maha Ashtami, is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami tithi) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin.
- In 2025, Durga Ashtami will be celebrated on 29th September, Monday.
This day is one of the most important parts of Navratri and is considered the day of Shakti’s victory over evil.
Why is Durga Ashtami Important?
- “Durga” means the one who removes difficulties.
- “Ashtami” means the eighth day.
- On this day, Maa Durga killed the demon Mahishasura and saved the world from his cruelty.
- The day is observed with fasting, prayers, Shastra Puja (worship of weapons), and Kanya Puja (worship of little girls).
Main Vrat Katha (The Story of Durga Ashtami)
According to scriptures, the demon Mahishasura became very powerful and defeated the gods. The gods prayed to Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva for help.
From the combined energy of these deities, Goddess Durga was born on Shukla Ashtami. She was given weapons by all gods – trident from Shiva, discus from Vishnu, thunderbolt from Indra, and many others.
Riding a lion, Maa Durga fought with Mahishasura for nine days and nine nights. Finally, on Ashtami and Navami, she killed Mahishasura with her trident. This day is remembered as Maha Ashtami, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
How to Observe Durga Ashtami Vrat
The fast and puja on this day are very special. Devotees follow these steps:
- Morning Ritual – Wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes.
- Set up the Puja – Place an idol or picture of Maa Durga on a clean altar. Decorate it with flowers, especially red and pink flowers, as they are her favourite.
- Offerings – Present sandalwood paste, kumkum, betel leaves, bananas, coconuts, dry fruits, and sweets to the goddess. A special panchamrit (made from milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar) is also prepared.
- Recite Mantras – Chant Durga mantras and stotras. The most common prayer is:
“Sarva Mangala Mangalye, Shive Sarvartha Sadhike,
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri, Narayani Namostute” - Durga Chalisa & Aarti – Read the Durga Chalisa and perform aarti with diya and incense.
- Shastra Puja (Weapon Worship) – Since Maa Durga used weapons to destroy demons, her weapons are worshipped on this day.
- Kanya Puja (Kanjak) – Small girls between the age of 2–10 are worshipped as living forms of the goddess. Their feet are washed, they are offered food like puri, halwa, and chana, and they are given gifts such as bangles, toys, or books.
- Breaking the Fast – The fast is broken after completing kanya puja.
Kanya Pujan Ki Kahani – The Katha of Shri Dhar & Maa Vaishno Devi
Long ago, in Hansali village near Katra (Jammu), lived a poor Brahmin named Shri Dhar, a true devotee of Maa Durga. He and his wife had no children and were very sad. For years, he kept Navratri fasts and performed Kanya Puja, but his wish was unfulfilled.
One year, Shri Dhar decided to fast strictly until Maa Durga blessed him. On Ashtami, during Kanya Puja, Maa Durga herself appeared in the form of a little girl among the other girls. She did not eat the food offered. When Shri Dhar asked her why, she replied, “You too have not eaten for days. First, you must eat.”
Then she revealed herself as Maa Vaishno and blessed Shri Dhar. She instructed him to organise a Bhandara (community feast) and invite everyone, including Bhairavnath. During this leela, Maa showed many miracles, expanded Shri Dhar’s small house to feed hundreds, and finally revealed her divine form at Trikuta Hills, where today’s Vaishno Devi shrine stands.
Bhairavnath, who tried to capture her, was killed by Maa with her trident, but was later blessed that no yatra to Vaishno Devi would be complete without visiting Bhairav Temple.
In the end, Shri Dhar was blessed with a daughter by the grace of Maa.
The Story of Malini’s Devotion
Another story tells of Malini, a poor but devoted woman who always performed Navratri fasts and Kanya Puja. When her husband met with an accident and the family had no money, she still continued her devotion.
One day, Maa Durga came in the form of an old woman asking for help for her sick granddaughter. Malini, though poor, gave away all her money meant for Kanya Puja. Pleased with her sacrifice, Maa Durga later appeared in another form and filled her home with grains, food, and money.
By Maa’s blessings, her husband recovered, their poverty ended, and they were blessed with a child.
This story teaches that Maa always blesses those who worship her with pure heart and help others selflessly.
Spiritual Benefits of Durga Ashtami Vrat
- Removes negativity and fear.
- Protects from evil and problems.
- Brings happiness, prosperity, and success.
- Women receive blessings of long married life and children.
- Devotees gain courage, wisdom, and peace.
Durga Puja on Maha Ashtami
In West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Jharkhand, and Bihar, Durga Ashtami is celebrated with grandeur:
- Huge pandals are decorated with idols of Maa Durga.
- Cultural programs and devotional songs are organised.
- On the tenth day (Vijayadashami), the idols are immersed in rivers, marking Maa’s return to her divine abode.
Conclusion
Durga Ashtami is not just a festival – it is a reminder that faith and devotion always bring divine blessings. The vrat katha of Mahishasura, Shri Dhar, and Malini all teach us the same truth: Maa Durga protects her devotees, fulfills wishes, and removes sorrows when worshipped with a pure heart.
By observing Durga Ashtami vrat and performing Kanya Puja, devotees invite strength, happiness, and prosperity into their lives.
