Updated: October 22, 2020 5:46:51 pm
Durga Ashtami 2020 Date: On this day, the Chamunda incarnation of Goddess Shakti is venerated. It is believed that the goddess appeared on this day and annihilated the associated demons of Mahishasura, Chanda, Munda and Raktabija. (Source: File photo)
Durga Ashtami 2020 date in India: On the eighth day of the Navratri festivities, Durga Ashtami is considered to be one of the most important days. Ashtami, which means ‘the eighth’, is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri, one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. This year it will be held on October 24, which is Saturday.
For the Bengali community, who celebrate Durga Puja beginning with Shashti, the sixth day of the festivities, Durga Ashtami is also known as Mahashtami. On this day, the Chamunda incarnation of the goddess Shakti is venerated. It is believed that the goddess appeared on this day and annihilated the associated demons of Mahishasura, Chanda, Munda and Raktabija. According to Drik Panchang, the day begins with ‘mahasnan‘or a big bath. It is done to rid the body of impure thoughts before pious ceremonies.
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Once this is done, nine small pots are installed and the nine shaktis of Durga is invoked on them. All nine forms of the supreme goddess are worshiped during the Mahashtami. bid. It is on this day that girls dress up as the goddess herself and worship themselves as part of the ‘Kumari Puja‘. Also, the legendary Sandhi puja it also happens on this day. The Drik Panchang says that the window of the last 24 minutes of Ashtami tithi and the first 24 minutes of Navami tithi is known as the ‘sandhi‘time (an auspicious hour), during which the bid it has to happen.
While in ancient times animal sacrifices used to occur on this day, it has largely stopped and now people symbolically cut down pumpkins, bananas and cucumbers, in keeping with the tradition. Also during the aarti108 Earthen lamps have to be lit regularly to appease the goddess and seek her blessings.
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