Durga Ashtami

Assamese

Also known as: Mahashtami, Ashtami

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2026 Assamese Date

Durga Ashtami

About Durga Ashtami

Durga Ashtami, also known as Mahashtami, falls on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. It is one of the most important days of Durga Puja in Assam, marking the fierce battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura.

On this day, the Sandhi Puja is performed at the junction of Ashtami and Navami tithis, a highly powerful ritual where 108 lotus offerings are made to the goddess. The entire ceremony is accompanied by the rhythmic beats of dhak drums and the lighting of 108 earthen lamps.

In Assamese pandals, the day is marked by elaborate cultural programmes, including traditional dance performances and devotional music. Devotees offer special bhog to the goddess and participate in the sindoor khela ceremony on the following day.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Many devotees observe a fast on Durga Ashtami, eating only fruits and milk until the Sandhi Puja is completed.

Sankalpa Mantra

Om Durgaye Namah, I offer my prayers to Goddess Durga for protection and the destruction of all evil.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Wake up early and take a ritual bath.
Observe a fast and visit the Durga pandal for morning prayers.
Participate in the Sandhi Puja at the junction of Ashtami and Navami.
Offer special bhog to the goddess and distribute prasad.

Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps

Essential Puja Samagri:

Red flowers and garlands108 lotus flowers for Sandhi PujaEarthen lamps and camphorSindoor (vermilion)Sweets and fruits for bhogDhak (traditional drum)

Puja Procedure:

Clean the pandal and offer morning prayers to Goddess Durga.
Prepare for the Sandhi Puja with 108 lotus flowers and lamps.
Perform the Sandhi Puja at the precise junction of tithis.
Distribute prasad and participate in cultural programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Sandhi Puja?

Sandhi Puja is performed at the exact junction of Ashtami and Navami tithis, where 108 lotus offerings and 108 earthen lamps are lit to honour the goddess.

Q: Why is Durga Ashtami important?

It marks the climactic battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura, and the Sandhi Puja performed on this day is considered the most powerful ritual of Durga Puja.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.