Ashtami Dates 2016

Ashtami 2016 / Masik Durgashtami 2016 dates and time based on traditional Hindu calendar, Astrology and Panchangam.

Ashtami 2016 / Navami 2016 / Amavasai 2016 / Pournami 2016 / Pradosham 2016 / Karthigai 2016 / Sashti 2016 / Sankatahara Chathurthi 2016 / Thiruvonam 2016 / Matha Sivarathiri 2016 / Ekadhasi 2016 / Chathurthi 2016

Durga Ashtami 2016 – Significance And Celebrations

Durga Ashtami is one of the most widely observed and celebrated days in the Hindu culture. Every month of the Lunar Calendar includes the Ashtami Tithi in the period of Shukla Paksha when moon is visible. Ashtami which is eighth day is dedicated to Goddess Devi/Shakti or Durga and is popularly called as Durgashtami. It is marked by long day fasting and worshipping by her devotees. However the most significant Durgashtami is the one falling in the month of Ashwin. It falls within the nine long days of Navaratri festival. Astra/weapon puja of Goddess Durga is done on Mahaashtami day while the monthly Ashtami is done once every month of the Lunar Calendar. Other names referred to Maasik Durgashtami include Monthly Durgashtami, and or Maas Durgashtami.

Durga Ashtami: The Eighth Day

Durga Ashtami is observed throughout India, but followers of Maa Durga in eastern states of India, particularly West Bengal, take the cake in terms of pomp and scale of celebrations. The image of Goddess Durga riding a lion and killing the dreaded demon Mahishasura with her ten arms fanning out has become synonymous with Shakti (Power). Her idol cast in the same image has come to symbolize the power of a woman when fully unleashed, and is worshipped throughout the nation.

Durga Ashtami represents the eighth day of the Navratri festival. It is believed keeping fast on this auspicious day gets you the blessings of Goddess Durga. Massive idols of the deity are installed at various pandals, homes, and offices in her reverence. Devotees throng the pandals and offer their prayers to Goddess Durga.