Durga Ashtami is celebrated during Durga Navratri. Also known as Maha Ashtami, Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of Durga Navratri. It is celebrated throughout India and in some foreign countries where Indians stay in large numbers. Among the nine days of Durga Navratri festival, Durga Astami is one of the most celebrated days.

Maha Gauri – The Goddess of Durga Ashtami :
Goddess Sri Maha Gauri is worshipped on the day of Durga Astami. Mainly women worship the Goddess for their families’ prosperity and bliss. On this day, women perform the ritual of fasting and worship the Goddess with utmost devotion. White is the favorite colour for Goddess Maha Gauri. Hence, women wear white saree and offer white colored flowers (Jasmines etc.) to the Goddess.

When is Durga Ashtami in 2008?
Durga Ashtami is celebrated on the day of Astami of first fortnight in the month, Aswayuja, just before Maha Navami and Vijaya Dashami. In 2008, it falls on 7th October, Tuesday.

Durga Ashtami Celebrations :
Durga Ashtami celebrations vary from region to region in India. In some regions of India, on the day of Durga Ashtami, devotees worship one of the manifestations of Goddess Durga – Goddess Bagala / Goddess Narayani.

In urban regions of Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat and in South India, devotees celebrate the festival in very peaceful and calm atmosphere. But, in rural regions of India, it is celebrated as a cultural and social ceremony.

Animal Sacrifices – On Durga Ashtami :
In rural regions, devotees offer animal scrifices to please the Goddess. They offer the animal based on their economic status. Poor people offer cocks, sheep and rich people offer buffalo. But, nowadays, people became educated and not allowing such a brutal tradition of ‘Janthu Bhali’ (Animal sacrifices).

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