Chaitra Navratri Durga Ashtami 2025: Date, Significance, Rituals, Pooja Muhurat

Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is one of the most significant days during the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival. This sacred day honors the strength, purity, and spiritual power of Goddess Durga, particularly in her form as Mahagauri. In 2025, Durga Ashtami will be observed on April 5th, making it a day of profound devotion and spiritual significance for millions of devotees around the world.

When is Durga Ashtami in 2025?

The Ashtami Tithi begins on April 4, 2025, at 08:12 PM and concludes on April 5, 2025, at 07:26 PM. These timings are based on the Hindu lunar calendar and can vary slightly based on your location and the regional Panchang.

Why Durga Ashtami is celebrated?

Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of Chaitra Navratri and is considered one of the most auspicious days of the festival. It is devoted to worshipping Mahagauri, the eighth form of Navadurga. Mahagauri symbolises inner peace, purity, and divine grace. According to mythology, she is the form Goddess Parvati assumed after penance to reunite with Lord Shiva, emerging as a radiant and compassionate goddess.

Devotees believe that worshipping Mahagauri on this day helps wash away sins, overcome difficulties, and bring peace and prosperity into one’s life.

Happy Chaitra Navratri to all 🙏🏻! pic.twitter.com/5nnxkWyek1

— The Hindu Girl (@The_HinduGirl) April 4, 2025

Symbolism of goddess Mahagauri

Mahagauri is portrayed as a serene, fair-complexioned goddess dressed in white, seated on a white bull or elephant. She holds a Trishul (trident) and a dhanush (bow), signifying both power and calm. Her tranquil demeanor reflects spiritual perfection, while her weapons symbolize the power to destroy negativity and ignorance.

Key rituals: Kanya Pujan

One of the most heartfelt traditions on Durga Ashtami is Kanya Pujan or Kumari Pooja. In this ritual, nine young girls, representing the nine forms of the goddess, are invited into homes and temples. Their feet are ceremonially washed, and they are honored with food, gifts, clothes, and sweets. This ritual recognises the divinity within every girl child and serves as a tribute to the sacred feminine.

Patna, Bihar: Chaitra Navratri is being celebrated with full devotion. Today marks Saptami Puja, with a special idol of Maa Durga installed at the Bengali Akhara, where Basanti Puja has been observed

Sourav Bhattacharya, Assistant Secretary, Bengali Akhara says, "Today, Chaiti… pic.twitter.com/kL78LkLppk

— IANS (@ians_india) April 4, 2025

The belief is that serving these young girls brings about prosperity, protection, and divine blessings for the household. It’s a beautiful fusion of devotion and social respect for the power of womanhood in its purest form.

Spiritual importance and festive spirit

Durga Ashtami is not just a day of prayer; it’s a day of deep spiritual reflection and inner purification. Fasting, chanting of Durga Saptashati, and offering special prayers are common practices on this day. Many people also participate in community feasts, bhajans, and havans (sacred fire rituals) to mark the occasion.

This powerful day is seen as a spiritual turning point during Navratri, just before Ram Navami, which concludes the festival on April 6, 2025. The energy during Durga Ashtami is believed to be especially strong, making it an ideal time to seek protection, clarity, and divine support in all aspects of life.