Mahastami
OdiaAlso known as: Durga Ashtami
Mahastami
About Mahastami
Mahastami, or Durga Ashtami, is the eighth day of Durga Puja in Odisha, celebrated with great devotion across the state. It marks Goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
The day begins with elaborate rituals at Durga Puja pandals across Odisha. Sandhi Puja, performed at the junction of Ashtami and Navami, is the most sacred ritual involving 108 lamps.
In Cuttack, the festival is famous for its silver filigree (tarakasi) decorations on the goddess's idol, a unique Odia tradition. Devotees throng pandals for pushpanjali.
The atmosphere is electric with dhak drums, conch shells, and devotional songs. Families visit multiple pandals throughout the day.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Devotees observe strict fasting on Mahastami, one of the most important fasting days.
- Observe a complete fast or consume only fruits and milk.
- Wake up early and bathe before visiting the pandal.
- Participate in pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja.
- Receive prasad after the puja.
Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The fast is broken after Sandhi Puja with prasad offered to Goddess Durga.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Perform the morning pushpanjali at the pandal.
- Offer bhog to the goddess.
- At the junction of Ashtami and Navami, perform Sandhi Puja.
- Offer 108 flowers to the goddess.
- Participate in dhunuchi naach and evening aarti.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sandhi Puja is performed at the exact junction of Ashtami and Navami, marking the moment when Durga slew the demon. 108 lamps are lit.
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.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
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.