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Durga Puja 2024: Maha Ashtami or Durgashtami marks the eighth day of Shardiya Navratri, and is the second most significant day of Durga Puja. This pivotal day is part of the nine-day Navratri festival, during which elaborate pujas and rituals take centre stage. Following similar traditions as Maha Saptami, devotees observe sacred ceremonies, offering heartfelt devotion and gratitude to Goddess Durga.
Considered the pinnacle of Durga Puja, Maha Ashtami is a time for seekers to implore the goddess's divine intervention, overcoming challenges and obstacles. This year, Maha Ashtami will be observed on 11th October 2024. Check out the date, time, significance and rituals for this sacred day below: Durga Puja 2024: Maha Ashtami Date And Time - Maha Ashtami 2024 Date: 11th October 2024, Friday - Ashtami Tithi Begins: 12:31 PM, 10th October 2024 - Ashtami Tithi Ends: 12:06 PM, 11th October 2024 Durga Puja 2024: Maha Ashtami Significance Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami holds immense significance during Durga Puja.
It marks the eighth day of Navratri, commemorating Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. This pivotal day is considered the peak of Durga Puja festivities, where devotees offer fervent prayers and rituals to seek the goddess's blessings. On Durga Ashtami, devotees worship Goddess Durga's nine forms, invoking her divine protection and guidance.
The day is also associated with Kanya Puja, where young girls are revered as embodiments of the goddess. Devotees offer food, clothing, and gifts to these girls, symbolising the goddess's nurturing aspect. Through these rituals, devotees seek spiritual growth, prosperity, and empowerment, solidifying their connection with the divine feminine.
Maha Ashtami commemorates Goddess Durga's victory, symbolising purification, empowerment, and devotion, seeking blessings and guidance from the divine. (Image Source: Canva) Durga Puja 2024: Maha Ashtami Rituals Durga Ashtami begins with Mahasnan, a purifying ritual bath, followed by Shodashopachar Puja, a 16-step ceremonial offering. Similar to Maha Saptami Puja, this ritual excludes Prana Pratishtha, uniquely performed on the first day to animate the deity's idol.
This worship seeks Goddess Durga's blessings, purification, and spiritual growth. On Durga Ashtami, nine pots represent Navdurga, honouring Goddess Durga's nine aspects. This invocation ritual symbolises protection, prosperity, and strength.
Each pot embodies a manifestation of the Goddess, invoking divine blessings and empowerment. This sacred ceremony connects devotees with the divine feminine. Kanya Puja, a cherished Durga Ashtami ritual, worships young girls as living embodiments of Goddess Durga.
Dressed in traditional attire, they receive prayers, food, and gifts, symbolizing purity, innocence, and divine grace. This ritual highlights the Goddess's nurturing aspect, seeking blessings and protection for all. Observed throughout Navratri, Kanya Puja holds special significance on Maha Ashtami.
Durga Ashtami's most sacred ritual, Sandhi Puja, occurs during the transitional period between Ashtami and Navami. This poignant ceremony commemorates Goddess Durga's transformation into Chamunda, defeating demons Chanda and Munda. Devotees light 108 earthen lamps, offer prayers, and chant hymns to invoke divine blessings, seeking protection and empowerment.
A symbolic Bali, or sacrificial offering, replaces animal sacrifices in many communities. Fruits or vegetables like bananas, cucumbers, or pumpkins are offered, symbolising surrender to the divine. This gesture of devotion signifies the devotee's willingness to let go, seeking Goddess Durga's blessings and protection.
The ritual underscores the values of compassion and selflessness. ALSO READ: Durga Puja 2024: Why Dhunuchi Naach Or Dance Is Performed During Durga Pujo? Know Significance ( Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity.
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