Durga Ashtami

Telugu

Also known as: Ashtami, Maha Ashtami

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2026 Telugu Date

Durga Ashtami

About Durga Ashtami

Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of Navaratri, dedicated to Goddess Durga in her warrior form. It is celebrated with great fervour across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Special pujas and homas (fire rituals) are performed at Durga temples. The goddess is adorned with special ornaments and offered elaborate prayers for protection and strength.

Devotees observe fasting and visit temples throughout the day. Cultural programmes and dance performances are organised at various places. Kanya puja (worship of young girls) is also performed.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Devotees observe strict fasting and perform elaborate Durga pujas on Durga Ashtami.

Sankalpa Mantra

Om Durgayai Namah, I seek the blessings of Goddess Durga for protection, strength, and the removal of all obstacles.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Wake up early and take a ritual bath.
Observe strict fasting throughout the day.
Visit Durga temples and participate in special pujas.
Perform Kanya puja by worshipping young girls as embodiments of the goddess.

Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps

Essential Puja Samagri:

Durga idol or pictureRed flowers and garlandsSindoor (vermillion)Coconut and fruitsCamphor and incenseHoma materials (ghee, samagri)

Puja Procedure:

Set up the Durga idol and prepare offerings.
Offer red flowers, sindoor, and fruits to the goddess.
Perform homa (fire ritual) with sacred mantras.
Perform aarti and distribute prasad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Kanya puja?

Kanya puja involves worshipping young pre-pubescent girls as embodiments of Goddess Durga. Their feet are washed, offered food, and given gifts as a form of divine worship.

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.