Durga Ashtami

Durga Ashtami, the eighth day of Navaratri, is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri and is one of the most sacred days of the festival, marked by kanya puja.

It falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright fortnight of Ashwin, during Sharad Navaratri.

Devotees of Goddess Durga across India, especially in North and East India where Durga Puja is grandly observed.

Durga Ashtami is part of the Navaratri observance rooted in the Devi Mahatmya and the worship of the goddess in her Mahagauri form.

Goddess Mahagauri, the eighth form of Navadurga.

Perform the Ashtami puja, offer to the goddess, and conduct kanya puja — worshipping nine young girls as forms of the goddess — with offerings of food and gifts.

Kanya puja, bhog offering, recitation of Durga Saptashati, and worship of the goddess with red or white flowers and sandalwood.