Durga Puja Holiday 2024 (Friday, 11th October 2024)
Maha Ashtami, also known as Durga Ashtami, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor and devotion. This auspicious occasion falls on the eighth day of the Navratri festival, which spans nine nights and honors the divine feminine energy. In 2024, Maha Ashtami will be observed on October 11th. This article delves into the significance of Maha Ashtami, the rituals and customs associated with it, and the joyous celebrations that take place during this time.
Maha Ashtami 2024 Date in India: 11th October, Friday
Maha Ashtami 2024 Overview
| Festival Name | Maha Ashtami |
| Meaning | ‘Maha’ means ‘Great’ and ‘Ashtami’ means the ‘Eighth Day’ |
| Goddess | Maa Durga |
| Celebrated by | West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, and Sikkim. |
| Religion | Hindus |
Maha Ashtami 2024 India Calendar
Celebrate Maha Ashtami 2024 with this special India Calendar; featuring a unique design for each month and special cultural highlights.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
When is Maha Ashtami 2024?
| Maha Ashtami 2023 Date | Sunday, 22 October |
| Maha Ashtami 2024 Date | Friday, 11 October |
| Maha Ashtami 2025 Date | Tuesday, 30 September |
| Maha Ashtami 2026 Date | Monday, 19 October |
Maha Ashtami 2024 Time in India
Durgashtami, a significant Hindu festival, is set to take place on Friday, October 11, 2024. This auspicious day celebrates the power and triumph of the goddess Durga. The Ashtami Tithi, which marks the eighth day of the lunar calendar, begins at 12:31 PM on October 10, 2024, and ends at 12:06 PM on October 11, 2024. Devotees will gather at temples and perform rituals and prayers, seeking blessings from the goddess for protection and prosperity. The atmosphere will be filled with devotion and celebration as people adorn themselves in vibrant traditional attire and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity. It is a time of deep spiritual significance and a chance for individuals to connect with their faith and express their gratitude to the divine.
Rituals of Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami is characterized by several rituals and customs that add to the sanctity and grandeur of the festival. The day begins with devotees waking up early to take a ritual bath and wear new clothes as a symbol of purity and renewal. They then visit temples or set up home altars adorned with flowers, fruits, and incense sticks to worship the goddess.
One of the most significant rituals of Maha Ashtami is the Kumari Puja, where young girls, usually below the age of ten, are worshipped as incarnations of the goddess. These girls are chosen for their purity and innocence, and they are adorned with traditional attire and jewelry. Devotees offer flowers, sweets, and other offerings to the Kumari, seeking her blessings.
Another important aspect of Maha Ashtami is the performance of the Sandhi Puja, which takes place at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami. This ritual involves the simultaneous worship of Goddess Durga and Goddess Chamunda, who is believed to have emerged from the goddess’s third eye during her battle with Mahishasura. The Sandhi Puja is considered highly auspicious and is believed to grant devotees their desired wishes.
Celebrations of Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami is a time of joyous celebrations and festivities. In addition to the religious rituals, various cultural events and performances are organized to commemorate this auspicious day. People gather in large numbers at temples, where priests conduct elaborate ceremonies and chant hymns in praise of the goddess.
One of the highlights of Maha Ashtami is the vibrant display of traditional dances, such as Dandiya and Garba. These energetic dances are performed by men and women, who form circles and move to the rhythm of traditional music. The colorful attire and rhythmic movements create a festive atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and joy.
Furthermore, Maha Ashtami is also a time for feasting and indulging in delicious traditional delicacies. Families come together to prepare elaborate meals that include a variety of vegetarian dishes. Special sweets like kheer (rice pudding) and laddoos (sweet balls) are prepared as offerings to the goddess and are later shared among family and friends.
Significance of Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami holds immense importance in Hindu mythology and is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the embodiment of divine power. According to Hindu scriptures, it was on this day that Goddess Durga defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Devotees believe that worshipping the goddess on Maha Ashtami can bring blessings, protection, and prosperity.
On this day, devotees observe rigorous fasting and engage in various rituals to pay homage to the goddess. The day is marked by elaborate prayers, recitation of sacred hymns, and the performance of special ceremonies. The main highlight of Maha Ashtami is the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navdurga. Each form represents a different aspect of the goddess’s power and is worshipped with great devotion.
Best Maha Ashtami 2024 Wishes
- May Maa Durga bestow you and your family with 9 forms of blessings- fame, name, wealth, prosperity, happiness, education, health, power and commitment. Happy Chaitra Durga Ashtami 2024!
- On the auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami, I wish that there is smile on your face and there is happiness in every corner of your heart. Warm greetings on Durga Ashtami to you.
- May this Durga Ashtami brighten up your life with joy, wealth, and good health, wishing you a Happy Chaitra Durga Ashtami 2024!
- May Maa Durga illuminate your life with countless blessings of happiness. Happy Chaitra Durga Ashtami 2024!
- Ashtami is the day dedicated to Mahagauri. May Goddess fulfil all your desires on this special occasion.
Is Maha Ashtami good or bad?
Ashtami and Navami dates are considered good for shopping and making new beginnings without observing the auspicious time.
What is the story behind Ashtami?
On Ashtami, Goddess Kali emerged from Devi Durga’s forehead and defeated the demons Chanda, Munda, and Raktabija. Kumari Pujo or Kanya Pujan is an important ritual during Ashtami.
Was Krishna born on Ashtami night?
Krishna’s birth is celebrated in August or September, on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the Shravana or Bhadrapada month.
Why Lord Krishna born on Ashtami?
Krishna was believed to be born on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadrapad. He is the eighth son of Devaki and Vasudeva from the Yadava clan, born around 5000 years ago.
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