Ashtami
Also known as: Eighth Day, Durga Ashtami, Kalashtami
Durga Ashtami Ki Shubhkamnaye
Significance
Ashtami is the 8th lunar day, sacred to Goddess Durga and considered highly powerful for Shakti worship. Krishna Paksha Ashtami (Kalashtami) is for Lord Bhairava worship, while Shukla Paksha Ashtami is for Durga and other forms of the Divine Mother. The most famous Ashtami is Durga Ashtami during Navratri when weapons are worshipped (Ayudha Puja).
Rituals & Observances
- Worship Goddess Durga or Bhairava
- Perform Kanya Puja (worship young girls)
- Offer red flowers and vermillion
- Light ghee lamps for the Goddess
- Chant Durga Chalisa or Bhairava mantras
- Perform Havan (fire ritual)
- Fast or eat only prasad
- Ayudha Puja for tools and vehicles
Special Variations
- Durga Ashtami during Navratri
- Kalashtami for Bhairava worship
- Radha Ashtami celebrating Radha's birth
- Krishna Janmashtami
Traditional Foods
Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Shakti worship
- Kanya Puja
- Fire rituals
- Charity
Don't
- Violence
- Negative thoughts
- Cutting trees