Maha Ashtami in India 2023

Durga Puja Holiday 2023 (Sunday, 22th October 2023)

Maha Ashtami, also known as Durga Ashtami, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated on the eighth day of the Navratri festival. This auspicious day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga, the embodiment of divine power and strength. Maha Ashtami holds immense importance in Hindu mythology and is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm across India and other parts of the world. This article explores the various rituals, customs, and significance associated with Maha Ashtami.

Maha Ashtami 2023 Date in India: 22th October, Sunday

Maha Ashtami 2023 Overview

Maha Ashtami 2023 India Calendar

Celebrate Maha Ashtami 2023 with this special India Calendar; featuring a unique design for each month and special cultural highlights.

When is Maha Ashtami 2023?

Maha Ashtami 2023 Time in India

Durgashtami, a significant Hindu festival, will be celebrated on Sunday, October 22, 2023. The auspicious occasion of Astami Tithi, which marks the eighth day of the lunar month, begins at 07:12 PM on October 21, 2023, and concludes at 05:10 PM on October 22, 2023. During this time, devotees will come together to pay homage to the goddess Durga and seek her blessings for strength, prosperity, and protection. The festival will be marked by vibrant decorations, devotional music, and elaborate rituals, creating a sense of joy and spiritual significance in the air.

Significance of Maha Ashtami

Maha Ashtami is considered one of the most important days during the nine-day Navratri festival. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival signifies the power of the divine feminine and celebrates the victory of righteousness.

On Maha Ashtami, devotees worship Goddess Durga in her various forms, seeking her blessings for strength, courage, and protection. The day is also associated with the worship of young girls, known as Kumari Puja. Young girls are considered embodiments of the divine feminine energy and are worshipped as manifestations of Goddess Durga herself.

Rituals of Maha Ashtami

The celebrations of Maha Ashtami begin with devotees waking up early in the morning and taking a ritual bath. They then observe a day-long fast, abstaining from consuming any food until the evening rituals are completed. The fast is believed to purify the mind and body, enabling devotees to connect with the divine energy.

In the evening, devotees gather at temples or in their homes to perform elaborate rituals. The main highlight of Maha Ashtami is the recitation of mantras and hymns dedicated to Goddess Durga. The atmosphere is filled with devotion and fervor as devotees offer flowers, incense, and various other offerings to the deity.

The Kumari Puja, an integral part of Maha Ashtami, involves worshipping young girls who are considered manifestations of Goddess Durga. These girls are adorned with traditional attire and jewelry, and their feet are washed as a mark of respect. Devotees seek blessings from the young girls, who are believed to possess divine powers.

Another significant ritual observed on Maha Ashtami is the Sandhi Puja, which marks the transition from Ashtami to Navami. This puja is performed at the exact juncture when Ashtami ends and Navami begins. It is believed that during this auspicious moment, Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura. The Sandhi Puja involves the recitation of mantras and the offering of 108 lotus flowers to the deity.

Maha Ashtami Celebrations Across India

Maha Ashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm in various parts of India, each region adding its own unique flavor to the festivities. In West Bengal, the festival is known as Durga Puja, and elaborate pandals (temporary structures) are set up to house beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga. People visit these pandals, offering prayers and enjoying cultural programs and traditional dances.

In North India, especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Maha Ashtami is celebrated as Kanjak Puja. Devotees invite young girls to their homes and worship them as embodiments of the divine feminine energy. These girls are offered delicious food and gifts as a token of respect and gratitude.

In South India, Maha Ashtami is celebrated as Saraswati Puja, dedicated to the goddess of knowledge, music, and arts. Students place their books and musical instruments before the deity, seeking her blessings for wisdom and success in their academic pursuits.

Best Maha Ashtami 2023 Wishes

• May this festival fill your life with new joys that surround you and your loved ones with positive vibes, now and forever. Happy Maha Ashtami to you.
• May goddess Durga bless you Like she blessed Lord Rama to fight the evil like he fought Ravana. wishing Durga Ashtami.
• May Maa Durga be always there to guide you through the tough times and help you achieve your goals. Wishing you a very Happy Durga Ashtami.
• May goddess Durga provide you with immense strength to overcome all obstacles in life. Happy Durga Ashtami
• May the strongest Maa Shakti protect your family from evil and and grant everyone’s wishes.

Why do we celebrate Maha Ashtami?

Maha Ashtami is the third day of Durga Puja or the eighth day of Navratri, celebrating the victory of Goddess Shakti over the demon Mahishasura. On this day, devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, her eighth avatar.

What happens in Maha Ashtami?

On Maha Ashtami, Hindu devotees offer prayers to Goddesses Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati symbolizing strength, prosperity, and knowledge.

Who is worshipped in Maha Ashtami?

Devotees worship Maa Mahagauri, the eighth incarnation of Maa Durga, on this day. She is known for granting money, prosperity, and helping worshippers overcome obstacles and cleanse sins.