Durga Ashtami 2023: When Is Durga Ashtami? Know Auspicious Timing, Rituals, Significance, Wishes And More

Durga Ashtami 2023: Durga Ashtami also known as Maha Ashtami is a most important and auspicious Hindu festival celebrated across the country on the eighth day of the festival of Sharidya Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Durga also known as Navdurga. This festival is very important and auspicious for Hindus worldwide.

During these nine auspicious days, people pray to nine different forms of Goddess Durga - Goddess Shailputri, Goddess Brahmacharini, Goddess Chandraghanta, Goddess Kushmanda, Goddess Kushmanda, Goddess Katyayani, Goddess Kalaratri, Goddess Mahagauri, and Goddess Siddhidatri.

Durga Ashtami symbolizes the victory of good over evil and marks the day when Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura. Devotees visit temples, offer prayers, and participate in colorful processions. They also fast and enjoy special feasts. It's a time of joy and togetherness, with families coming together to worship and celebrate. The festivities include traditional dances, music, and cultural performances.

Durga Ashtami 2023 | Photo; Freepik

Durga Ashtami is a time of faith, devotion, and the triumph of righteousness, bringing people closer to their spirituality. As the nine-day Navratri festival approaches its end, there's a big celebration on Ashtami, which is the eighth day. In Bengal, Ashtami is the most special day of the Durga Puja festival and is celebrated with lots of excitement. Here's all you need to know about Durga Ashtami 2023 date, significance, history, rituals and Durga Ashtami wishes and quotes.

• Happy Navratri Wishes & Quotes
• Why is Sendha Namak allowed during Navratri?
• Dos And Don¡¯ts During Navratri
• Differences between Durga Puja and Navratri
• What Is The Difference Between Dussehra, Vijayadashami And Dashain?
• Why Do We Feed Girls On Ashtami And Navami?
  

When is Durga Ashtami 2023? | Durga Ashtami 2023 Date

This year, Shardiya Navratri started on Sunday, October 15th and it will culminate on Monday, October 23rd with Ram Navami and Kanya Pujan. Durga Ashtami will be celebrated on Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Karthik as per the Hindu calendar i.e., Sunday, 22nd October 2023.

Durga Ashtami 2023: Shubh Muhurat for Kanya Pujan

Durga Ashtami 2023 Begins - 09:53 PM, Oct 21

Durga Ashtami 2023 Ends - 07:58 PM, Oct 22

Kanya Pujan Or Kanjak Shubh Muhurat

The auspicious timing of Kanya Pujan on Durga Ashtami will start at 06:26 AM and will end at 06:26 PM.

Durga Ashtami significance

Durga Ashtami is a significant Hindu festival, celebrated on the eighth day of Navratri. It honors Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. Devotees take early baths, fast, pray, visit temples, and offer things like milk, sugar, and fruits to the Goddess. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is a time of devotion and unity among communities. Families come together, wear new clothes, and exchange gifts. While in some parts of the country, devotees perform 'Kanjak' or Kanya Puja.

The ritual is performed by inviting 9 girls aged between 4 to 23 into homes, washing their feet, putting tilak and tie mauli on their wrists, and serving them ritualistic Ashtami bhog recipes consisting of halwa, poori, and chole. Some devotees perform the Kanjak or Kanya puja ritual next day on Navami, the ninth day of Navratri.

Durga Ashtami strengthens faith, promotes cultural values, and instills a sense of togetherness. It's a day of joy and celebration, signifying the power of positivity and the protection that the Goddess offers. It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and spiritual growth.

Durga Ashtami 2023 puja vidhi and rituals

1. Wake up early in the morning and take a cleansing bath.

2. Prepare tasty vegetarian food - like Halwa, Poori, and Chana, and also break a coconut.

3. Light a lamp with desi ghee, offer flowers or garlands, makeup items, and apply a mark on the forehead (tilak).

4. Make a special plate of food as an offering to Goddess Durga (bhog prasad).

5. Invite 9 young girls between 4 to 12 years old.

6. Wash their feet, apply a tialk on their foreheads, and tie a sacred red thread (mauli) on their wrists.

7. Serve them food (Soojhi Halwa, Poori, and Chana), along with a small piece of coconut and banana.

8. Devotees give them a gift (Dakshina) and presents of their choice.

9. Seek their blessings by touching their feet.

10. Additionally, people should donate food, fruits, and clothes to those in need, especially young girls who are less fortunate.

Durga Ashtami celebration state-wise

Celebrating Durga Ashtami in different states of India is a wonderful way to experience the diverse traditions and cultures of the country. Here's a simple and easy-to-read guide on how it is celebrated in different states:

West Bengal:

In West Bengal, Durga Ashtami is a big celebration. People visit beautifully decorated pandals (temporary temples) to admire the idol of Goddess Durga. They offer flowers, and sweets, and perform traditional dances like Dhunuchi Naach.

Kolkata

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is famous for its grand Durga Puja celebrations. The city comes alive with elaborate processions and artistic idols. People often wear new clothes and indulge in delicious Bengali sweets.

Kerala

In Kerala, Durga Ashtami is a day for special pujas in temples. Devotees light lamps and offer prayers to the goddess. Some families also prepare special meals and invite relatives and friends over.

Delhi

In the capital city, Durga Ashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People visit Durga temples, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals. Some communities also organise cultural events and plays.

Gujarat

In Gujarat, people celebrate Durga Ashtami with Garba and Dandiya dances. Women wear vibrant, traditional attire and dance in circles. It's a joyous occasion with lively music and colorful decorations.

Assam

Assam celebrates Durga Ashtami with a dance called "Bihu." People offer prayers in temples and visit each other's homes. A traditional Assamese meal is also prepared, including sweets like pitha.

Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, Durga Ashtami is observed with devotion. People go to temples and light oil lamps. Some also fast on this day and break it after the evening puja.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan celebrates Durga Ashtami with great splendor. People dress up in traditional attire and visit temples, where cultural performances take place. Delicious Rajasthani sweets and snacks are enjoyed.

Maharashtra:

In Maharashtra, Durga Ashtami is celebrated with Aartis in temples. Some people also fast and break it with a special meal. It's a day to seek the goddess's blessings.

Bihar

In Bihar, Durga Ashtami is marked by visiting temples and organizing "kanya pujan" where young girls are worshiped as manifestations of Goddess Durga. It's followed by delicious feasts.

These are just a few glimpses of how Durga Ashtami is celebrated across India. The essence of the festival is to worship Goddess Durga, seek her blessings, and come together with friends and family to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

How is Durga Astami Celebrated?

Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is a significant day in the Hindu festival of Navratri, which is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. The way Durga Ashtami is celebrated can vary in different regions of India and among different communities, but there are some common traditions and rituals associated with this day. Here's how Durga Ashtami is typically celebrated:

Fasting

Many devotees across the country observe a day-long fast on the auspicious day of Durga Ashtami. Some people abstain from consuming food and only have fruits, milk, or specific fasting foods.

Puja (Worship)

Devotees across the country visit local or famous temples dedicated to Goddess Durga, or they set up an idol or picture of the goddess in their homes. Special puja (prayer) ceremonies are performed, which often involve reciting hymns, offering flowers, incense, and lamps, and performing aarti (a ritual of waving a lamp or light in front of the deity).

Anjali (Offerings)

An important aspect of Durga Ashtami is the offering of "Anjali" or "Pushpanjali." Devotees offer flowers and leaves while reciting prayers to seek the blessings of the goddess.

Kumari Puja

In some regions, young girls who have not reached puberty are worshipped as embodiments of the goddess herself in a ritual known as Kumari Puja. They are dressed as goddesses and offer special prayers and offerings.

Cultural Performances

Many places organise cultural events, including dance, music, and drama, to celebrate Durga Ashtami. These events often showcase the rich cultural heritage of India.

Food Offerings

Special meals and dishes are prepared as offerings to the goddess and are later shared among the devotees. These offerings are known as "bhog."

Kanjak or Kanya Pujan

In some parts of the country, young girls aged between 4 to 12 are invited to homes and offered gifts and food as a way to honor the divine feminine energy represented by Goddess Durga.

Dhunuchi Dance

In West Bengal and other parts of eastern India, you might witness the traditional Dhunuchi dance. Devotees dance with a censer or clay incense burner with burning coconut husk, creating a captivating and rhythmic display.

Sindoor Khela

In Bengal, women participate in Sindoor Khela, where they apply vermillion (sindoor) to the goddess's idol and then playfully smear it on each other's faces. It is a symbol of married women wishing each other happiness and long life.

Visiting Pandals

In some areas, temporary structures called "pandals" are set up to house beautifully decorated idols of Goddess Durga. People visit these pandals to offer their prayers and admire their artistic craftsmanship.

Processions

In some regions, there are processions that carry the idol of Goddess Durga through the streets, accompanied by music, dance, and enthusiastic devotees.

Community Celebrations

Durga Ashtami is often a time for social gatherings and celebrations, with friends and family coming together to celebrate the festival.

It's important to note that the way Durga Ashtami is celebrated can vary based on regional customs and personal preferences. The common thread among these celebrations is the reverence and devotion to Goddess Durga, seeking her blessings for strength, prosperity, and protection.

Maha Ashtami Puja vidhi

- On Maha Ashtami, start by cleaning your home and the puja area. This signifies purity.

- Place a picture or idol of Goddess Durga on a clean platform, decorated with flowers and leaves.

- Take a pot (Kalash) filled with water and tie a sacred thread (moli) around its neck. Place it near the deity.

- Light a lamp (diya) and incense sticks (agarbatti) to create a holy atmosphere.

- Offer fruits, sweets, and flowers to the Goddess. You can also offer red-colored Chunri or a sari to the idol.

- Recite Durga mantras and prayers. You can ask a priest or pandit for help if needed.

- Wave the lit lamp in a circular motion in front of the idol, while singing Aarti songs.

- Prepare a special meal (bhog) for the Goddess, typically consisting of items like puri, halwa, and chana.

- After offering the bhog, distribute prasad (sanctified food) among family members and guests.

- Some people also worship young girls as a symbol of the Goddess. Wash their feet, offer clothes, and seek their blessings.

- In some regions, married women put vermilion (sindoor) on the Goddess's idol and each other's foreheads.

- Conclude the puja by sharing a meal with family and friends, signifying togetherness and celebration.

- Many people also visit community pandals to see the beautifully decorated idols.

- Some people observe fasts on Maha Ashtami and break it after the puja.

- Consider donating to the needy as an act of kindness and charity during this auspicious day.

- Attend cultural events and enjoy the festive spirit in your community.

Powerful Mantrasa to Chant on Durga Ashtami (Maha Ashtami)

Durga Mantra in English:

¡°Sarva Mangala Mangalye Sive Sarvartha Sadhike

Saranye Trayambike Gauri Narayani Namostute¡±

Devi Stuti in English:

¡°Ya devi sarva bhuteshu, shanti rupena sangsthita

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu, shakti rupena sangsthita

Ya devi sarva bhuteshu, matri rupena sangsthita

Yaa devi sarva bhuteshu, buddhi rupena sangsthita

Namastasyai, namastasyai, namastasyai, namo namaha¡¯¡®

Durga Dhyan Mantra

¡±om Jataa Jut Samaayuktamardhendu Krit Lakshnam

Lochanyatra Sanyuktam Padmendu Sadya Shan Naam¡±

Durga Shatru Shanti Mantra

¡°ripavah Sankshayam Yaanti Kalyaanam Chop Padyate

Nandate Cha Kulam Punsaam Maahaatmyam Mam Srinu Yaanmam¡±

Durga Sarv Baadha Mukti Mantra

Om Sarvabaadhaa Vinirmukto, Dhan Dhaanyah Sutaanvitah |

Manushyo Matprasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sanshayah Om ||

Durga Duh Swapna Nivaaran Mantra

¡°Shanti Karmani Swapna Darshane

Grah Pidaasu Chograsu Maahaatmyam Srinu Yaanmam¡±

Durga Ashaant Shishu Shanti Pradaayak Mantra

¡°Baal Grah Bhibhutaanaam Baalaanam Shantikaarkam

Sanghatbhede Ch Nrinaam Maetri Karan Mutmam¡±

Shakti Mantra

¡°Sharnaagat Deenaart Paritraan Paraayaney, Servasyarti Harey Devi Naaraayani Namostutey |

Sarvasvaroopey Sarveshey Sarvshakti Samanvietey, Bhayebhyah Traahi No Devi Durge Devi Namostutey |

Rogaan Shoshaan Pahansitushtarushtatu Kaamaan Saklaan Bhishtaan, Tvaam Aashritaanaam Na Vipannaraanam, Tvaamaashritaahya Shraytaam Prayaanti |

Sarva Badha Prashmanan Trailokya Syakhileshwari, Evamevmev Tvayaa Kaaryam Sma Dveri Vinaashnam |

Sarvaa Baadha Vinirumk To Dhan Dhaanya Sutaan Vitah. Manushyo Mat Prasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sansha Yah |

Dehi Saubhaagyam Aarogyam Dehi Devi Param Sukham.

Rupam Dehi Jayam Dehi Yasho Dehi Dvisho Jahi |

Jyanti Mangalaa Kaali Bhadra Kaali Kapaalinee Durgaa Kshamaa Shivaa Dhaatree Swaahaa Svadhaa Namo Stutey ||

Mantras Source - templesinindiainfo

Pushpanjali during Durga Puja with Mantra

Om Jayanti, Mangala, Kali, Bhadrakali, Kapalini?

Durga, Shiva, Kshama, Dhatri, Svaha, Svadha Namostu Te?

Esha Sachandana Gandha Pushpa Bilva Patranjali Om Hreem Durgayai Namah?

Best Durga Ashtami wishes and messages to send loved ones

1. May the divine blessings of Goddess Durga bring you strength, courage, and prosperity on this Durga Ashtami.

2. Wishing you a festive season filled with joy, love, and the divine grace of Maa Durga on this auspicious day.

3. As you celebrate Durga Ashtami, may your life be filled with the divine energy and power of the goddess to overcome all obstacles.

4. On this special day, may Maa Durga's blessings guide you towards a life of happiness and success.

5. May the festive spirit of Durga Ashtami fill your heart with joy and your home with warmth and togetherness.

6. As you offer your prayers to Goddess Durga, may she shower you with her love and protect you from all negativity.

7. May the fierce form of Maa Durga destroy all your worries and fill your life with courage and strength.

8. On this auspicious occasion of Durga Ashtami, may your family be blessed with good health, wealth, and prosperity.

9. As you celebrate the triumph of good over evil, may you also find victory over your challenges and obstacles in life.

10. Wishing you a Durga Ashtami filled with devotion, spirituality, and the presence of Maa Durga in every aspect of your life.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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