Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami is the eighth day of the Navratri festival celebrated by Hindus for worshipping Goddess Durga. It falls on bright lunar fortnight Ashtami tithi of Aswina month according to the Hindu calendar.
In Eastern India, Durga Ashatmi is also one of the most auspicious days of the five days long Durga Puja Festival celebrated in the honor of Mother Goddess Durga. Also known as Mahashtami, it is one of the most auspicious days in Hinduism.
It is believed to be the birth day of Ma Durga It is believed that Ma Durga manifested on Ashtami day. Month on month, special pujas are performed to Ma Durga on Ashtami.
In India, fasting is undertaken by Hindu people on this holy occasion. People also get together on this day to dance 'garba' and wear colourful clothes.
This day is also known for 'Astra Puja' (Worshipping Weapons) as on this day the weapons of Goddess Durga are worshipped. The day is also known as Vira Ashtami as there are seen to use arms or martial arts on this day.
The 64 Yoginis and Ashta Shakti or matrikas (the eight ferocious form of Goddess Durga) are worshipped during the Durga Puja rituals on Mahashtami.
A tradition associated with Durga Ashtami originated in North India is to honor the kanyaka in the home. A group of young, unmarried girls (a group of five to seven) are invited into the home to honor them.
A tradition associated with Durga Ashtami originated in North India is to honor the kanyaka in the home. A group of young, unmarried girls (a group of five to seven) are invited into the home to honor them.