Date & Auspicious Time

In 2025, Durga Ashtami (Mahashtami) falls on Tuesday, 30 September. The Ashtami Tithi begins at 4:31 PM on Monday, 29 September and ends at 6:06 PM on Tuesday, 30 September. (These are standard Panchang timings.)

The Sandhi Puja (auspicious juncture between Ashtami and Navami) is observed during the overlapping period at the end of Ashtami and start of Navami. That is generally within a 48-minute window around that transition time. Devotees aim to perform the puja in that narrow period when the Tithi changes.

Why the 8th Day Is So Important

The eighth day of Navratri, called Durga Ashtami, is one of the most potent and sacred days of the festival. Devotees believe that on this day, the divine energy of the Goddess is at its strongest. It is said that Goddess Durga vanquished powerful demons on this day, bringing peace and righteousness back to the world.

On Ashtami, worship is often more intense, with more rituals, deeper devotion, and strict discipline. The day is especially associated with Maa Mahagauri, the divine form of Durga symbolizing purity, calm, and transcendence. Seeking her blessings is believed to cleanse one’s mind and soul, remove obstacles, and grant inner peace.

Rituals, Puja & What You Should Do

On the morning of Ashtami, devotee households begin with purification — taking a holy bath, wearing clean clothes (ideally white or light colors), and setting up the altar with images or idols of Maa Durga. Decorate the altar with flowers, incense, lamps (diyas), fruits, sweets, and other offerings.

During the day, recite hymns, chant mantras, perform aartis, and read from texts like Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmya. Music, bhajans, and meditation heighten devotion.

The key rituals of the day are:

• Sandhi Puja: At the precise juncture of Ashtami ending and Navami beginning, devotees light 108 lamps, offer lotus flowers, and chant special mantras. This moment is believed to mark the victory of the Goddess over demons like Chanda and Munda.

• Kanya Pujan: Invite young girls (generally 5 or 9) and worship them as embodiments of the Goddess. Their feet are washed, they are offered prasad (puris, chana, halwa, fruits), and gifted tokens. This is an act of honoring innocence and divine feminine energy.

After the rituals, distribute prasad, and in many homes, give a small gift to the girls honored in Kanya Pujan.

Fasting Rules & Which Form of the Goddess (Maa)

On the 8th day, Maa Mahagauri is worshipped. She embodies purity, calm, restoration, and grace.

Fasting / Vrat Guidelines

• Many devotees observe a strict fast. Some take only water or fruits until evening; others take a light meal after puja.

• Permitted foods typically include fruits, milk, yogurt, nuts, and sattvik preparations made from buckwheat (kuttu), water chestnut (sinhare / singhara), or amaranth (rajgira).

• Sendha namak (rock salt) is used instead of regular salt.

• Foods to avoid include grains (rice, wheat), pulses, beans, onion, garlic, and all non-vegetarian items.

• Besides controlling food, the fast is also about purity of mind — avoiding negative speech, thoughts, gossip, and maintaining calm and devotion.

The true purpose of the fast is not deprivation, but discipline, devotion, and spiritual elevation.

Spiritual Gifting & Modi Toys — Best Toy in India for Devotional Gifts

Navratri is a time when families exchange blessings and meaningful gifts. During Kanya Pujan, after worship, many people gift something to the girls who were worshipped. What better gift than one that combines devotion and joy?

That’s where Modi Toys comes in. Modi Toys offers a beautiful selection of devotional plush dolls, mythological figure toys, and storytelling kits. These become not just toys, but cherished reminders of culture and faith.

If you’re searching for the best toy in India that serves as a gift toy with deeper meaning, Modi Toys is an ideal choice. Gifting a plush Maa Durga or Mahagauri doll after Ashtami puja brings smiles and spiritual connection.