Durga Ashtami is one of the most significant rituals celebrated during the most-awaited festival of Navratri. In this festival, the nine forms of goddess Durga Devi are worshipped during the nine days of Navratri. All the Hindu devotees across the country perform this sacred puja with great passion and devotion.

When is Durga Ashtami actually celebrated?

As per the Gregorian Calendar, Durga Ashtami 2020 falls on the 24th of October month. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Durga Ashtami is celebrated on Ashtami tithi in the month of Ashwin.

Durga Ashtami Significance

A cruel demon worshipped Lord Brahma with great passion and devotion to fulfil his own desires. Lord Brahma pleased by the demon’s devotion appeared in front of him and asked him to make a wish. Mahishasura asked Lord Brahma to grant a boon wherein no man would defeat him for which Lord Brahma agreed and granted him the boon. After this, Mahishasura started threatening all human beings and all the gods of heaven.

To protect the universe from Mahishasura; Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva created the Divine Durga. As no man can defeat Mahishasura but only a woman can defeat him. Goddess Durga is blessed with the strength of all male deities of heaven. On this day, Goddess Durga defeated demon Mahishasura with her bayonet. The victory of Goddess Durga over the cruel buffalo demon Mahishasura is celebrated on the holy occasion of Durga Ashtami.

What to do on Durga Ashtami

Devotees should observe fast and worship Goddess Durga on this day with adherence to seeking divine blessings. In some of the states of India, devotees worship the tools present in their house and the ritual is called Astra Puja. The massive Puja pandal with immense idols of Goddess Durga is installed in the celebration of this festival. Devotees visit the pandals adorned by the idols of Goddess Durga and pray to the deity for a prosperous life.

Benefits of Durga Ashtami

Following are the major benefits of performing Durga Ashtami on the occasion of Navaratri

• Goddess Durga Devi bestows her devotees with the strength to fight with the enemies.
• Goddess Durga grants health and wealth to her devotees.
• Devotees will be blessed with prosperity and longevity.
• Goddess Durga ushers her devotees will immense knowledge to achieve success in life.