Durga Ashtami 2026: What Is the Auspicious Time to Worship Goddess Durga on Maha Ashtami? Know the Date, Timings, Puja Vidhi & More

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. Here are all the details you need to know.

What Is the Exact Date of Durga Ashtami 2026?

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?

Maha Ashtami celebrates the divine strength of Goddess Durga and symbolises the victory of good over evil. Devotees begin the day with a bath and prayers before offering flowers, incense, lamps, fruits and other traditional offerings to the Goddess. Many observe a fast and perform Kanya Puja, during which young girls are honoured as manifestations of the Divine Feminine and served traditional foods such as puri, chana and halwa. Sandhi Puja is also performed by devotees following this tradition. The rituals may differ across regions and families, but the occasion is widely associated with devotion, courage, prosperity and spiritual renewal.