Durga Ashtami, celebrated on the eighth day of Sharadiya Navratri, is one of the most significant days of the festival. On this day, devotees worship the eighth form of Goddess Durga, Maa Mahagauri. It is regarded as a sacred time for spiritual purification, fulfillment of vows, and cleansing of karmas. For householders, it is a day of invoking divine feminine power, while for spiritual seekers, it is a day dedicated to meditation, chanting, yajna (sacred fire rituals), and celibacy. Traditional practices include Kanya Pujan (worship of young girls) and, in some regions, Sandhi Puja (performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami).
Durga Ashtami is considered a highly significant day of Navratri. Here, we present the date, timings, and rituals in a clear, reliable manner to answer queries like “navratri ashtami 2025 September,” “ashtami 2025 Navratri,” and “when is ashtami in September 2025.”
Durga Ashtami 2025: Date and Shubh Muhurat
Ashtami Tithi
- Begins: 29 September 2025, 04:31 PM (IST)
- Ends: 30 September 2025, 06:06 PM (IST)
Main Festival Day: 30 September 2025 (Tuesday) — as Ashtami Tithi prevails during sunrise.
If you are searching for “navratri 2025 date ashtami” or asking “when is ashtami in September 2025”—the answer is that Ashtami will last until 06:06 PM IST on 30 September 2025.
Sandhi Puja (Ashtami–Navami Juncture)
The last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami form the Sandhi Kshana.
On 30 September 2025, since Ashtami ends at 06:06 PM, the Sandhi Puja window will be from 05:42 PM to 06:30 PM.
During this time, it is considered highly auspicious to offer 108 lamps, naivedya (sacred food), Bilva leaves, or other traditional offerings according to local customs.
Kanya Pujan (Kanjak)
Generally, Kanya Pujan is performed during the morning or midday of Ashtami or Navami.
In 2025, since Ashtami prevails until 06:06 PM, performing Kanya Pujan on the morning of 30 September (Tuesday) is considered most auspicious.
Wherever local calendars show variations in sunrise-based calculations, devotees are advised to consult their regional panchang or priest.
Goddess Worshipped: Maa Mahagauri
Maa Mahagauri is described as radiant and serene, the bestower of eight siddhis (spiritual powers) and nine nidhis (treasures). Scriptures say that she attained her glowing fair complexion through deep penance, hence the name Mahagauri. In household worship, she is invoked for blessings of prosperity, peace, well-being of children, and overall harmony.
Spiritual Significance of Worship
- Inner Purification: Control over desires, anger, and greed.
- Fulfillment of Resolutions: Stability in long-term virtuous commitments.
- Divine Grace: Removal of obstacles in personal and professional life.
Checklist of Puja Materials
- Idol or picture of Maa Mahagauri (preferably adorned with white flowers and attire)
- Kalash with water, mango/paan leaves, coconut, and sacred thread
- Lamps with ghee/til oil, cotton wicks, incense
- Kumkum, turmeric, rice grains, sindoor, gorochan
- White flowers (kaner, jasmine, champa, or seasonal)
- Naivedya: Puri, sooji halwa, black gram, fruits, sweets
- Panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar)
- Holy water (Ganga jal), brass/copper utensils
- Gifts for Kanya Pujan: chunari, bangles, books, stationery, fruits, sweets, or dakshina
- For Havan: wood sticks, ghee, samagri (if performed)
Step-by-Step Durga Ashtami Puja Vidhi
(A) Morning Preparation
- After bathing, take a vow for spiritual or personal intentions.
- Purify the space and install the Kalash.
- Place the idol or image of Maa Mahagauri on a clean white cloth or seat.
(B) Main Puja
- Perform the rituals of invocation, offering water, bathing, dressing, and adorning the deity.
- Offer kumkum, rice, garlands, and light lamps and incense.
- Chant mantras like “Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah” and “Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu…”.
- Offer naivedya and fruits.
- Recite Durga Saptashati or relevant hymns if possible.
(C) Havan (Optional)
- In the evening or during Sandhi Kaal, perform a small havan by offering sacred oblations with chants such as “Om Dum Durgayai Swaha.”
(D) Aarti
- Sing hymns like “Ambe Tu Hai Jagdambe Kali” or “Jai Ambe Gauri.”
- Conclude with distribution of prasad.
Kanya Pujan Procedure
- Invite nine young girls (ages 2–10) and one boy symbolizing Bhairav.
- Wash their feet (symbolically), apply tilak, and tie sacred thread.
- Serve them traditional food: puri, halwa, black gram, fruits, sweets.
- Offer gifts or dakshina suitable to their age.
- Perform aarti and seek their blessings.
If not possible on Ashtami, Kanya Pujan can be done on Navami morning.
Importance of Sandhi Puja
Sandhi Puja holds great significance in Durga Puja traditions as it marks the decisive moment of Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. Lighting 108 lamps, offering Bilva leaves, chanting Durga Saptashati, and praying for peace are common practices. In 2025, the suitable Sandhi Puja time is between 05:42 PM and 06:30 PM.
Vrat Rules: Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Follow a sattvic diet (fruits, light meals; avoid onion and garlic).
- Chant at least one mala of “Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah.”
- Donate food, clothes, or books.
- Maintain cleanliness and discipline.
Don’ts
- Avoid arguments, harsh speech, and falsehood.
- Refrain from alcohol and non-vegetarian food.
- Avoid unnecessary show or extravagance.
Offerings and Colors
- Naivedya: Puri, halwa, black gram, coconut, fruits, panchamrit.
- Color: White is considered auspicious in the worship of Maa Mahagauri.
- Regional variations include offering kheer, sabudana khichdi, or sweet potatoes.
Regional Traditions
- Eastern India (Bengal, Assam, Odisha): Anjali, Kumari Puja, and Sandhi Puja with grandeur.
- North/West/Central India: Kanya Pujan and culmination rituals of Navratri.
- South India: Special Saraswati Puja during Ashtami, celebrated alongside the Golu/Bommai Kolu tradition.
FAQs
Q1. When is Ashtami in September 2025?
A. Tuesday, 30 September 2025. The tithi runs from 29 September 04:31 PM to 30 September 06:06 PM (IST).
Q2. Should Kanya Pujan be done on Ashtami or Navami?
A. Both are acceptable. In 2025, performing it on 30 September morning (Ashtami) is most suitable.
Q3. What is the Sandhi Puja time in 2025?
A. From 05:42 PM to 06:30 PM on 30 September 2025.
Q4. Which goddess is worshipped on Ashtami?
A. Maa Mahagauri, symbol of purity and compassion.
Q5. Is Havan compulsory on Ashtami?
A. Not mandatory, but a small havan during evening or Sandhi time is considered auspicious.
Q6. How to break the fast?
A. After Kanya Pujan, aarti, and naivedya, devotees can consume sattvic food such as puri, halwa, or fruits.
Q7. What is Maa’s favorite color and offering?
A. White color and offerings like kheer, halwa, and coconut.
Conclusion
Durga Ashtami is not merely a ritualistic festival but a spiritual discipline that inspires self-purification and inner balance. On this sacred day of navratri ashtami 2025 September, may Maa Mahagauri’s grace bring peace, prosperity, and wisdom to every household.
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