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Maha Ashtami 2026: Puja Timings, Pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja Rituals
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News18•18-10-2026, 14:23
Maha Ashtami 2026: Puja Timings, Pushpanjali and Sandhi Puja Rituals
- •Maha Ashtami or Durga Ashtami will be observed on Monday, October 19, 2026, during Sharadiya Navratri.
- •Ashtami Tithi begins at 8:27 AM on Sunday, October 18, and concludes at 10:51 AM on Monday, October 19, 2026.
- •Sandhi Puja is scheduled for October 19 from 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM, lasting for a duration of 48 minutes.
- •Key rituals include Pushpanjali floral offerings, Kumari Puja, Mahasnan, Shodashopachar Puja, and Sandhi Puja prayers.
- •Maha Navami falls on October 19, while Vijayadashami or Dussehra is observed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Key Questions Answered
Maha Ashtami 2026 will be observed on Monday, October 19, 2026. According to Drik Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi begins at 8:27 AM on Sunday, October 18, and ends at 10:51 AM on Monday, October 19.
Sandhi Puja is scheduled from 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM on October 19, 2026, lasting for 48 minutes during the transition between Ashtami and Navami Tithis. This ritual commemorates the manifestation of Goddess Chamunda to defeat the demons Chanda and Munda.
Devotees bathe, wear clean clothes, and prepare flowers and sacred leaves in their cupped hands. While priests recite Sanskrit mantras invoking Goddess Durga, devotees repeat the prayers before offering the flowers at the Goddess's feet.
