Masik Durgashtami (2018)
Dates and timings for Pune
About the Vrat & Significance
Masik Durgashtami is observed on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) of every lunar month. This holy day is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the supreme feminine energy (Shakti) representing strength, protection, and victory. The Vrat commemorates Goddess Durga's triumph over the fierce demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of righteousness over evil. Devotees observe this fast to seek physical strength, mental courage, divine protection from negative forces, and success in their endeavors. Worshipping the Goddess on this day helps remove obstacles from career and personal life, and brings joy and prosperity. In many traditions, this day is celebrated by worshipping young girls (Kanyas) as representations of the Goddess, seeking their blessings through offerings of food and gifts.
The fast is observed on the Ashtami Tithi from sunrise to sunset. The morning hours (Pratahkala) are the best time to perform the main puja and the Kanya Puja. If the Ashtami Tithi ends during the day, the puja should still be completed during the Tithi period. The fast is broken in the evening after performing the twilight Aarti.
- An idol or image of Goddess Durga
- A wooden platform covered with a red cloth
- A Kalash (earthen or copper pot) with water, mango leaves, and a coconut wrapped in red cloth
- Red flowers (especially red hibiscus or red roses)
- Vermilion (Sindoor/Kumkum) and turmeric (Haldi)
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti) and Dhoop
- Ghee lamp (Diya) and camphor for Aarti
- Barley seeds (to sow in a shallow pot if observing a long ritual) or wheat grains
- Gangajal or pure water
- Sweets (Kheer, Halwa, or boiled black chana) as Naivedya
- Betel leaves, betel nuts (Supari), cloves, and cardamoms
- A red chunri (scarf) to offer to the Goddess
- Wake up early, take a bath, wear clean red or bright-colored clothes, and clean the puja area.
- Place a red cloth on the wooden platform, install the idol or photo of Goddess Durga, and decorate it with flowers.
- Setup the Kalash on a bed of grains (rice or wheat) next to the idol, symbolizing prosperity.
- Apply red vermilion (Sindoor/Kumkum) to the forehead of the Goddess and apply chandan.
- Offer the red chunri, red flowers (hibiscus), and garlands to the deity.
- Light the ghee lamp and incense sticks, and offer betel leaves with betel nuts, cloves, and cardamoms.
- Offer sweet halwa, boiled black chana, and kheer as the main Naivedya (sacred food offering).
- Recite the Durga Chalisa, Durga Saptashati paths, or chant the sacred Devi Kavach.
- Perform the Durga Aarti with burning camphor, waving the lamp and ringing the bell.
- If observing Kanya Puja, invite young girls (aged 2 to 9) to your home, wash their feet, offer them the prasad of halwa, chana, and kheer, present them with small gifts, and touch their feet to seek their blessings.
- Observe a fast during the day, and break it in the evening after performing the evening Aarti and consuming the prasad.
Yearly Vrat Calendar Dates
| # | Date | Day | Month / Tithi | Auspicious Muhurat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 January 2018 | Thursday | Magha Shukla Paksha Ashtami | — |
| 2 | 23 February 2018 | Friday | Phalguna Shukla Paksha Ashtami | — |
| 3 | 25 March 2018 | Sunday | Chaitra Shukla Paksha Ashtami | — |
| 4 | 23 April 2018 | Monday | Vaishakha Shukla Paksha Ashtami | — |
| 5 | 22 May 2018 | Tuesday | Adhik Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha Ashtami | — |
| 6 | 20 June 2018 | Wednesday | Jyeshtha Shukla Paksha Ashtami | — |
| 7 | 20 July 2018 | Friday | Ashadha Shukla Paksha Ashtami | — |
| 8 | 18 August 2018 | Saturday | Shravana Shukla Paksha Ashtami | — |
| 9 | 17 September 2018 | Monday | Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha Ashtami | — |
| 10 | 17 October 2018 | Wednesday | Ashwin Shukla Paksha Ashtami | — |
| 11 | 16 November 2018 | Friday | Kartika Shukla Paksha Ashtami | — |
| 12 | 15 December 2018 | Saturday | Margashirsha Shukla Paksha Ashtami | — |
