Maha Ashtami celebrated with fervour across India | WATCH
On Maha Ashtami, devotion reaches its peak during Durga Puja. The day is marked by fasting, prayers, and in some regions, the celebration of Goddess Chamunda’s victory over demons Chanda, Munda, and Raktabija.
Across the country, devotees offer prayers amid incense, flowers, and chants of priests, leading up to the sacred Sandhi Puja that bridges Ashtami and Navami. In Mumbai, the festival takes on a grand scale, as decorated pandals not only unite the Bengali community but also draw people from varied backgrounds, turning the city into a hub of festive spirit.
"It is the 79th year of this puja. Today is Ashtami. In a while the Ashtami anjali (offering) will begin, followed by our Sandhi Puja. After that, our Bhog (sacred food) will be served. Our Bhog is the largest in India, with at least 10,000 people eating together in a single dome.",said Samrat Mukherjee, devotee from North Mumbai
In Ranchi, Jharkhand’s capital, women gather at Puja pandals to offer prayers and worship the serpent god, Naga Devata, while also preparing ‘padma’ or lotus flowers to stitch into garlands for the goddess.
RupalI Chatterjee, devotee from Kolkata explained, "On Ashtami, we offer the Goddess 108 ‘padma (lotus)’. These are arranged in the form of a garland that we adorn the Goddess with. This ritual is performed every year without fail."
In Siliguri, cultural programmes add to the festive atmosphere as devotees focus on the spiritual importance of Maha Ashtami. "According to our belief, the Sandhi Puja, which is performed at the junction of Maha Ashtami and Navami, marks the time when Goddess Durga descends to the Earth at the confluence of Maha Ashtami and Navami."said, Shanta Mitra, a devotee from Siliguri.
The eighth day of Navratri, Maha Ashtami, is revered not only for its customs but also for the meaning of the number "8," which in Hindu numerology is connected to prosperity, abundance and power.