Durga Ashtami
festivalsAlso known as: Durga (Maha) 8
Quick Overview
- Date in 2026
- Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Tithi
- Ashwin Shukla Ashtami (Purnimanta)
- Tithi begins / ends
- 08:29 AM, Oct 18 to 10:52 AM, Oct 19
- Lunar month
- Ashwin · Shukla Paksha
Durga Ashtami
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Lunar Month: Ashwin
Durga Ashtami at a Glance
Durga Ashtami is fixed by the lunar calendar to Ashwin Shukla Ashtami, the 8th tithi of the waxing (Shukla) fortnight of Ashwin.
- Tithi rule
- Ashwin Shukla Ashtami (Purnimanta)Shukla AshtamiAshwin month
- Tithi swami and group
- Shiva · Jaya Tithi
Panchanga on This Day
Durga Ashtami · Oct 18, 2026
About Durga Ashtami
Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of the Navratri festival, dedicated to Goddess Maha Gauri.
It is the climax of Durga Puja. Legend states that on this day, Goddess Durga manifested her fierce form, Chamunda, to annihilate demons.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
The day involves strict fasting, Kanya Pujan, and the highly powerful Sandhi Puja.
- Observe a strict fast.
- Perform Kanya Pujan: Nine young, unmarried girls are invited, their feet are washed, and they are offered a traditional meal.
- Participate in 'Sandhi Puja' during the exact overlapping window of the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami.
Durga Ashtami: Frequently Asked Questions
Ashwin Shukla Ashtami; its swami is Shiva, a Jaya Tithi.
Shukla Ashtami: 08:29 AM, Sun, Oct 18, 2026 to 10:52 AM, Mon, Oct 19, 2026 (IST).
Ashwin Shukla Ashtami: 04:14 AM, Thu, Oct 7, 2027 to 06:28 AM, Fri, Oct 8, 2027 (IST).
Festivals in the Same Lunar Month
Ashwin
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
Recommended Pages
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Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.