Shardiya Navratri 2025- The nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga began on Monday, September 22. It’s time to welcome the nine nights of divine celebration, worshipping the nine powerful forms of Goddess Durga. This occasion is more than just a religious festival in India. The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Shailputri and serves as a reminder of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Among the nine days, two of the most significant are Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. There is often confusion about their exact dates, as they sometimes fall on the same day.
Shardiya Navratri 2025- When is Maha Ashtami?
As Navratri has started and devotees across the country are celebrating it with great devotion, in this article we will tell you when Maha Ashtami will be celebrated this year.
Maha Ashtami, also known as the Durga Ashtami the eighth day of Navratri, usually falls on the eighth lunar day (Ashtami) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashwin (September-October). This day is marked by intense worshipping of fierce and powerful form of Goddess Durga, which symbolises the destruction of evil. Several special rituals are followed, making this day one of the important days of Navratri.
Shardiya Navratri 2025-Maha Ashtami date
According to the Vedic calendar, the Ashtami Tithi of Shardiya Navratri begins at 4:31 pm on Monday, September 29. This Tithi ends at 6:06 pm on Tuesday, September 30. Therefore, Maha Ashtami will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 30. Following Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami the ninth day of Navratri will be observed on Wednesday, October 1.
Significance and how to celebrate Durga Ashtami
Devotees can celebrate Maha Ashtami by performing elaborate pujas and seeking blessings for progress, prosperity, protection, fortune and good health. Both the days are significant in Navratri, as they represent the triumph of good over evil and ending with the grand celebration of Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Many devotees perform Kanya Pujan on the eighth day of Navratri. During this, young girls are worshipped and fed, considering them to be manifestations of Goddess Durga. Gifts or money are given to the girls.
