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🌸 Durga Ashtami & Maha Navami – Special Highlights (2026)
Durga Ashtami (also known as Maha Ashtami) and Maha Navami are the most powerful days of the Navaratri festival, dedicated to Goddess Durga in her fierce and protective forms. These days symbolize the victory of divine energy over negative forces and are widely observed across India with fasting, poojas, and temple rituals.
🔴 Durga Ashtami (Maha Ashtami)
- Observed on the 8th day (Ashtami) of Navaratri
- Associated with Mahishasura Mardini form of Goddess Durga
- Special rituals include:
- Kumari Puja (worship of young girls)
- Chandi Homam
- Recitation of Devi Mahatmyam
- Many devotees observe strict fasting or consume only satvik food
🟠 Maha Navami
- Observed on the 9th day (Navami) of Navaratri
- Marks the culmination of Durga’s battle against evil
- Considered highly auspicious for:
- Ayudha Puja (worship of tools, books, vehicles)
- Saraswati worship (especially for students)
- New ventures, learning, and skill-based activities are traditionally encouraged
✨ Spiritual Significance
- Ashtami represents strength and protection
- Navami represents completion and divine grace
- Worship on these days is believed to remove obstacles, fear, and negative karma
📌 Note: Exact Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami dates vary each year based on Navaratri alignment. Devotees should always confirm with local panchangam or temple announcements.
Ashtami & Navami Dates – Month-wise (2026)
| Month | Ashtami Dates | Navami Dates |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10 Jan (Saturday), 25 Jan (Sunday) | 11 Jan (Sunday), 26 Jan (Monday) |
| February | 9 Feb (Monday), 24 Feb (Tuesday) | 10 Feb (Tuesday), 25 Feb (Wednesday) |
| March | 10 Mar (Tuesday), 25 Mar (Wednesday) | 11 Mar (Wednesday), 26 Mar (Thursday) |
| April | 9 Apr (Thursday), 23 Apr (Thursday) | 10 Apr (Friday), 24 Apr (Friday) |
| May | 9 May (Saturday), 23 May (Saturday) | 10 May (Sunday), 24 May (Sunday) |
| June | 7 Jun (Sunday), 21 Jun (Sunday) | 8 Jun (Monday), 22 Jun (Monday) |
| July | 7 Jul (Tuesday), 21 Jul (Tuesday) | 8 Jul (Wednesday), 22 Jul (Wednesday) |
| August | 5 Aug (Wednesday), 19 Aug (Wednesday) | 6 Aug (Thursday), 20 Aug (Thursday) |
| September | 3 Sep (Thursday), 18 Sep (Friday) | 4 Sep (Friday), 19 Sep (Saturday) |
| October | 3 Oct (Saturday), 18 Oct (Sunday) | 4 Oct (Sunday), 19 Oct (Monday) |
| November | 1 Nov (Sunday), 16 Nov (Monday) | 2 Nov (Monday), 17 Nov (Tuesday) |
| December | 1 Dec (Tuesday), 16 Dec (Wednesday) | 2 Dec (Wednesday), 17 Dec (Thursday) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are Ashtami and Navami important?
How many Ashtami and Navami occur in a year?
Are Ashtami and Navami good for fasting?
Do Ashtami and Navami dates change every year?
Note: Ashtami and Navami dates are based on standard lunar calendar calculations. Local panchangam references and regional practices may vary slightly.
