Chaitra Navratri 2026: When is Durga Ashtami? Check correct date and significance

Durga Ashtami is also celebrated on Mahashtami. This is a significant day that falls on ashtami tithi of shukla pasha in the month of Chaitra. On this auspicious day, devotees worship the eighth form of Goddess Durga, Maha Gauri. Durga Ashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor across the nation. This day is dedicated to worship Goddess Maha Gauri, the eighth manifestation of Goddess Durga. The days and nights of navratri are regarded as the most sacred times to worship Goddess Durga. This year, Chaitra Durga Ashtami is going to be celebrated on March 26, 2026.

Chaitra Durga Ashtami 2026: Date and Time

Ashtami Tithi Begins - March 25, 2026 - 01:50 PM
Ashtami Tithi Ends - March 26, 2026 - 11:48 AM

Chaitra Navratri 2026: Significance

Chaitra Durga Ashtami is one of the most significant day in Hindu religion. The day holds a great religious and spiritual significance among Hindus. This is an important day to celebrated the eighth day of Navratri, which is dedicated to worship Maha Gauri. According to Hindu scriptures, after killing all the demons, all god and deities worshipped and prayed to the Goddess then she appeared in the form of Goddess Durga, the divine feminine energy. Maa Durga is the mother of universe, the goddess of creation, destruction and preserver. She has ten arm, holding different types of weapons in each hand for the protection of the devotees. The day celebrated the victory of the Goddess Durga over the evil and various demons named Chand Mund, Shumbh Nishumbh, Raktabeej and Mahishasura.

What to do on Durga Ashtami?

On this auspicious day of Durga Ashtami, people invite nine young girls, representing the each form of Goddess Durga. They worship them by applying tika on their forehead, washing their feet, feeding them with sattvik food - halwa, poori and chana, give them various gifts along with dakshina. Once they are done with the food, they touch their feet an seek their blessings. Some people distribute food, fruits, clothes to the underprivileged and needy girls. Chaitra Durga Ashtami, which represents the victory of good over evil and the divine feminine spirit, is a time of reverence, devotion, and joy.

Durga Mantra

1. Om Devi Maha Gaurya Namah..!!
2. Om Sarva Mangal Mangalayayei Shive Sarvartha Sadhike..! Sharanyayi Triambike Gauri Narayani Namostute..!!3. Sarvabadha Vnirmukto Dhan Dhaanyaye Sutavvitaha..! Manushyo Matprasaaden Bhavishyati Na Sanshayah..!!