Quick Answer
Durga Ashtami, also called Maha Ashtami, is the eighth day of Sharad Navratri and is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri. In 2026 it falls on 18 October by the Navratri calendar used across most of India, though the Ashtami tithi extends into the next day and some calendars therefore list Maha Ashtami on 19 October. It is the most important day of Durga Puja in Bengal, marked by Sandhi Puja and Kanya Pujan.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Durga Ashtami 2026: 18 October 2026 in most calendars
- Alternate date: 19 October 2026 in calendars using the later tithi window
- Tithi: Ashwina Shukla Ashtami
- Deity of the day: Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Durga
- Key rituals: Sandhi Puja and Kanya Pujan (Kumari Puja)
- Position: Eighth day of Sharad Navratri, which begins 11 October 2026
When is Durga Ashtami in 2026?
Durga Ashtami 2026 falls on 18 October 2026 in the Navratri calendar followed across most of India. The tithi is Ashwina Shukla Ashtami, the eighth day of Sharad Navratri, which begins on 11 October 2026.
One point worth knowing: the Ashtami tithi can begin on one day and end on the next, and different panchangs resolve that differently. Some calendars therefore place Maha Ashtami on 19 October 2026. The date used here follows the Navratri day count, in which the eighth day is 18 October and Maha Navami is 19 October. If you are planning a specific puja, check the Ashtami and Sandhi Puja timings for your own city.
Who is Maa Mahagauri?
The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Durga. She is depicted in white, riding a bull, with four arms holding a trident and a drum. The name means the supremely fair one, and she represents purity and calm after the ferocity of the earlier nights.
Sandhi Puja
Sandhi Puja is performed at the junction, or sandhi, where the Ashtami tithi ends and the Navami tithi begins. It lasts for the final 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami, and is considered the most powerful moment of Durga Puja.
In Bengal the Sandhi Puja is a major public event, with 108 lamps lit and a bali offered. The timing depends entirely on local tithi calculations, which is the main reason the reported date of Maha Ashtami can differ between sources.
Kanya Pujan or Kumari Puja
On Ashtami, young girls are worshipped as living forms of the goddess. Nine girls, representing the nine forms of Durga, are welcomed, their feet washed, and they are fed and given gifts. The custom is called Kanya Pujan in North India and Kumari Puja in Bengal.
How the day is observed
- Fasting through the day, broken after the puja.
- Sandhi Puja at the Ashtami and Navami junction.
- Kanya Pujan, with nine young girls honoured and fed.
- Durga aarti and cultural programmes, especially in Bengal.
- Charity and the feeding of devotees at the end of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Durga Ashtami in 2026?
Durga Ashtami falls on 18 October 2026 in the Navratri calendar used across most of India. Some calendars list 19 October because the Ashtami tithi extends into that day.
Why do some calendars say Durga Ashtami is on 19 October 2026?
Because the Ashtami tithi begins on one day and ends on the next. Calendars that place the puja in the later window list 19 October, while the Navratri day count places the eighth day on 18 October.
Which goddess is worshipped on Durga Ashtami?
The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Durga, who is depicted in white and represents purity and calm.
What is Sandhi Puja?
Sandhi Puja is performed at the junction where the Ashtami tithi ends and the Navami tithi begins, lasting the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami. It is considered the most powerful moment of Durga Puja.
What is Kanya Pujan?
Kanya Pujan, called Kumari Puja in Bengal, is the worship of young girls as living forms of the goddess. Nine girls representing the nine forms of Durga are honoured, fed and given gifts.
Is Durga Ashtami the same as Maha Ashtami?
Yes. Durga Ashtami, Maha Ashtami and Ashtami all refer to the eighth day of Sharad Navratri, which is the most important day of Durga Puja in Bengal.