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Durga Ashtami 2026: Is Maha Ashtami on October 18 or 19? Check the Exact Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Significance & More

Durga Ashtami 2026: Is Maha Ashtami on October 18 or 19? Check the Exact Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi, Significance & More
Photo credit: Sunday Guardian

Durga Ashtami 2026: Durga Ashtami, or Maha Ashtami, is one of the most important days of Sharad Navratri and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and the divine feminine power. Devotees celebrate the occasion with special prayers, fasting, Kanya Puja and other traditional rituals. Since the Ashtami tithi is falling on both dates, many people are confused about whether Maha Ashtami is on October 18 or October 19 in 2026.

What Is the Exact Date of Durga Ashtami 2026: October 18 or 19?

According to the New Delhi Hindu calendar, Maha Ashtami will be observed on Monday, October 19, 2026. The Ashtami tithi begins on October 18 and ends on October 19. Since the tithi is present at sunrise on October 19, that date is observed as Maha Ashtami under the sunrise-based calendar rule. Exact timings may vary by location and panchang. 

What Is the Shubh Muhurat for Maha Ashtami 2026?

The auspicious timings for Maha Ashtami puja depend on the city and the ritual being performed. Sandhi Puja, one of the most important ceremonies associated with the festival, is performed during the transition between Ashtami and Navami. For New Delhi, one published panchang places Sandhi Puja at approximately 10:29 AM to 11:17 AM on October 19, 2026. Since muhurat calculations may vary across calendars and locations, devotees are advised to confirm the precise timings with a trusted local panchang or priest.

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What Is the Puja Vidhi and Significance of Durga Ashtami?

Originally published by Sunday Guardian on Oct 15, 2026 Read the full article at sundayguardianlive.com
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