Durga Ashtami 2022: Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami or simply Ashtami, is the third day of the four-day festival, which is celebrated in many Indian states and around the world mainly by the Bengali community.
This year, Maha Ashtami falls on Monday, October 3. According to Drik Panchang, the Ashtami tithi begins at 06.47 pm on October 2 and ends at 04.37 pm on October 3.
Ashtami 2022 Date and Timings:
Devotees of Maa Durga will observe Ashtami on October 3, Monday. The Ashtami Tithi begins on October 2 at 06:47 pm and ends on October 3 at 04:37 pm. During Maha Ashtami celebrations, worshippers, especially women, break their nine-day-long Navratri fasts – observed to get blessings from Maa Durga and her nine avatars (Navdurgas) – after performing Kanya Puja.
However, some people also break their fasts on Navami or by following the Parana time. It is the special muhurat when people can end their vrat. Drik Panchang says the Parana time will be after 02:20 pm on October 4, 2022. However, depending on family traditions followed for generations, one can break the fast before noon after finishing Kanya Puja, either on Maha Ashtami or Maha Navami.
Durga Ashtami 2022: Significance
Maha Ashtami is the third day of Durga Puja or the eighth day of Navratri. It is one of the most poignant dates as it celebrates the victory of the Goddess Shakti over the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura. On this day, Durga Maa’s devotees worship her eighth avatar, Maa Mahagauri. The Goddess represents purity and is known for bestowing wealth and an opulent lifestyle on her worshippers. Additionally, praying to Maa Durga on this day can help devotees get rid of all their problems and relieve themselves from all sins. The Ashtami vrat (fast) is deemed the most significant, as it is believed to bring prosperity and luck in one’s life.
