Date: Thursday, 29 January 2026
Tithi: Magha Shukla Ashtami
Deity Worshipped: Maa Durga (Mahishasuramardini)
Other Names: Durgashtami, Ashta Devi Puja, Mahashtami (in some regions)
🌸 About Durga Ashtami 2026
Durga Ashtami, also known as Durgashtami Vrat, is an auspicious day dedicated to Goddess Durga, symbolizing strength (Shakti), righteousness (Dharma), and victory over evil. It falls on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the Moon) every lunar month, and in January 2026, it aligns with Magha Shukla Ashtami.
This day holds deep spiritual and religious importance for devotees who seek divine blessings for courage, protection, and inner peace.
🔱 Spiritual Significance
Durga Ashtami is celebrated to honor Maa Durga’s triumph over demons and to invoke her nine divine forms (Navadurga). The Ashtami Tithi represents the rise of divine energy (Shakti) that destroys negativity and restores balance in the universe.
It is believed that worshipping the goddess on this day removes sorrows, grants prosperity, and brings protection from evil influences.
🌼 Rituals and Puja Vidhi
- Morning Bath and Sankalp: Devotees wake up early, bathe, and take a vow to observe the fast with devotion and purity.
- Durga Puja: Offer red flowers, vermilion (sindoor), fruits, betel leaves, and sweets to the goddess while chanting the Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmya.
- Kanya Pujan (Kumari Puja): In some regions, worshipping young girls symbolizing the nine forms of the goddess is an important ritual.
- Fasting: Devotees observe a full or partial fast, breaking it only after sunset or after Durga Aarti.
- Lighting the Lamp: A sacred lamp (Akhand Deepa) is lit to remove darkness and ignorance.
🪔 Benefits of Observing Durga Ashtami Vrat
- Attains the blessings of Shakti (Divine Feminine Energy)
- Removes fear, anxiety, and negative karma
- Brings protection, courage, and stability in life
- Enhances spiritual growth and inner peace
🕉️ Durga Ashtami 2026 Muhurat (Indicative)
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 29 January 2026 – 03:12 AM
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 30 January 2026 – 04:44 AM
(Note: Timings may vary based on geographical location. Please consult your local Panchang for exact muhurat.)
🏵️ Regional Celebrations
- West Bengal & Assam: Devotees offer special prayers to Mahishasuramardini, the fierce form of Durga.
- South India: Durga is worshipped as Katyayani Devi, one of the forms of Navadurga.
- North India: Temples host Durga Chalisa Path, bhajans, and community feasts (bhandaras).
🌿 Symbolic Meaning
Durga Ashtami is not only a religious observance but also a reminder that divine feminine energy resides within every being. Worshipping her invokes courage to face adversities and inspires righteous living guided by truth and compassion.
❓ FAQs on Durga Ashtami 2026
Q1. When is Durga Ashtami in 2026?
A1. Durga Ashtami will be observed on Thursday, 29 January 2026.
Q2. Which goddess is worshipped on Durga Ashtami?
A2. Goddess Durga, especially in her fierce form Mahishasuramardini, is worshipped.
Q3. What are the benefits of observing Durga Ashtami Vrat?
A3. It brings peace, prosperity, protection from evil, and the blessings of divine energy.
Q4. Is Durga Ashtami celebrated every month?
A4. Yes, Durga Ashtami is observed every month on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami, though the Sharadiya Durga Ashtami (during Navratri) is the most famous one.
Panchang Official