This year, Chaitra Durga Ashtami will be celebrated with great pomp and enthusiasm on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
Chaitra Durga Ashtami also referred to as Mahasthami, holds immense significance in Hindu tradition. The 9-day festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her various incarnations. Navratri spans nine nights, during which devotees perform prayers, observe fast and engage in various auspicious rituals. Each avatar of Maa Durga is worshipped during the Mahasthami Puja, highlighting the Goddess’s diverse features of strength and grace. This year Chaitra Durga Ashtami will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
Chaitra Navratri Ashtami 2024: Date And Shubh Muhurat
The Ashtami Tithi starts at 12:11 on April 15, 2024, and concludes at 13:23 on April 16, 2024, according to Drik Panchang.
Devotees celebrate this day with great devotion and enthusiasm across the country, honouring Goddess Durga and seeking her blessings
Chaitra Navratri Ashtami 2024: Rituals
- The highlight of Mahashtami is the Kanjak Puja, where young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the divine feminine energy. They are invited to homes, feet are washed, and they are offered food and gifts as a symbol of respect and devotion. This tradition, known as Kumari Puja, emphasizes the presence of divine feminine energy in all stages of life.
- Devotees perform special Durga Puja ceremonies, offering prayers to the Goddess Durga in her various forms. This involves reciting mantras, performing rituals and offering flowers, fruits and other offerings to the deity.
- Homes and temples are also decorated with flowers, lights, and colourful decorations to welcome the divine presence of Goddess Durga and celebrate the festive fervour.
- Navratri is also a time for selfless service and charity. Devotees engage in acts of kindness, such as donating food, clothes, or money to the less fortunate, as a way of expressing gratitude and compassion.
- Mahashtami is also a time for spiritual growth and many devotees spend time in meditation, reading sacred tests to deepen their connection with God.