The nine incarnations of Maa Durga are honored during the festival of Navratri. Devotees pray and make sacrifices to Goddess Durga over the course of the festival’s nine days in an effort to obtain her blessings.
The Navami and Maha Ashtami pujas mark the end of the festival. Mahaguri, the eighth form of Maa Durga, is worshipped on the eighth day of Navratri. In honor of Maa Siddhidatri, followers celebrate Maha Navami on the ninth day.
Many Hindu households celebrate Kanjak, also known as Kanya Puja, on the significant day of Ashtami, welcoming nine young girls who have not yet reached puberty into their homes.
When are Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, and Kanya Pujan 2024?
This year, Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami will be celebrated on the same day, October 11, 2024. This unusual occurrence happens because the lunar calendar’s Ashtami and Navami Tithis overlap. Therefore, Kanya Pujan, a lovely tradition that honours young girls, will also take place on Friday, October 11, 2024. On this day, those observing the Navratri fast will break their fast by feeding young girls (Kanjak or Kanya Pujan) with traditional foods like Poori, Sooji Halwa, and Sukha Kala Chana. Scroll down to find out more about Kanya Pujan and its significance.
When Ashtami and Navami occur on the same day, it marks a powerful time of devotion and energy. It is believed that fasting and praying on this day bring great blessings to worshippers, helping them overcome challenges and grow spiritually. The combination of these two days highlights the united strength of Goddess Durga and her many forms, making it an ideal moment to ask for her divine blessings.
This year, with Ashtami and Navami celebrated together, devotees will have the special chance to join in the rituals and prayers for both days at once. Whether you choose to do Kanya Pujan, or Sandhi Puja, or simply offer your prayers to the goddess, be sure to follow the correct timings to get the most out of these blessed practices. May Goddess Durga grant everyone strength, prosperity, and happiness during this special time of Navratri 2024.
Maha Ashtami 2024 date & timing
| Maha Ashtami date: | Friday, October 11, 2024 |
| Ashtami Tithi Begins | Thursday, October 10 at 12:31 PM |
| Ashtami Tithi Ends | Friday, October 11 at 12:06 PM |
Maha Navami 2024 date & timing
| Maha Navami date | Friday, October 11, 2024 |
| Navami Tithi Begins | Friday, October 11 at 12:06 PM |
| Navami Tithi Ends | Saturday, October 12 at 10:58 AM |
Navratri 2024: Maha Ashtami & Maha Navami auspicious timings
| Muhurat | Time |
|---|---|
| Brahma Muhurat | 04:41 AM to 05:30 AM |
| Pratah Sandhya | 05:05 AM to 06:20 AM |
| Abhijit Muhurat | 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM |
| Vijaya Muhurta | 02:03 PM to 02:50 PM |
| Godhuli Muhurta | 05:55 PM to 06:20 PM |
| Sayahna Sandhya | 05:55 PM to 07:10 PM |
| Amrit Kalam | 11:05 PM to 12:40 AM, October 12 |
| Nishita Muhurta | 11:43 PM to 12:33 AM, October 12 |
| Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga | 05:25 AM, Oct 12 to 06:20 AM, Oct 12 |
| Ravi Yoga | 05:25 AM, Oct 12 to 06:20 AM, Oct 12 |
Source: Drik Panchang
Young girls are seen as a form of the Goddess Durga on earth. During Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami, they are worshipped. Our sacred texts say that praying to a human can bring quicker results than praying to God, and children are considered the purest form of humans. Therefore, to honour this purity and recognise the strength of women, people celebrate Kanjak Poojan.
Traditionally, Kanjak Puja starts by washing the feet of young girls aged 2 to 10 years. Next, a mark made of kumkum and rice (Akshat) is applied to their foreheads, and a red thread (kalava) is tied around their wrists. Then, they are given offerings (prasad) made from tender coconut, followed by Poori, halwa, and black chickpeas (Kala chana). At the end of the puja, they receive gifts like money, jewellery, clothes, and toys. Finally, the devotee touches the girls’ feet to ask for their blessings, and after they leave, the devotee breaks their fast with any leftover food.
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Source: India Times.com
