Stories
Durga Ashtami 2026: Know Correct Kanya Pujan Dates, Mahanisha Puja Rules and Auspicious Timing.
- •Shardiya Navratri 2026 has sparked discussions regarding the exact date for Durga Ashtami, with dates falling across October 18, 19, and 20.
- •Based on Udaya Tithi, Maha Ashtami puja will be observed on Monday, October 19, while tantric practitioners will perform rituals on the night of October 18.
- •Householder devotees are advised to avoid complex tantric Mahanisha Puja rituals and instead focus on sattvic worship and reciting Durga mantras.
- •Kanya Pujan can be performed on October 19 or 20 depending on family traditions, lineage customs, and local panchang guidance.
Key Questions Answered
During Shardiya Navratri 2026, the Ashwin Shukla Ashtami tithi begins on October 18 at 8:28 AM and ends on October 19 at 10:51 AM. Based on Udaya Tithi, Maha Ashtami puja and the fast will be observed on Monday, October 19, while Mahanisha Puja will take place on the night of October 18 between 11:36 PM and 12:36 AM.
The best days for Kanya Pujan in Navratri 2026 are October 19 and October 20. Householders can perform Kanya Pujan on either Ashtami or Navami tithi depending on their family tradition, lineage customs, local panchang, and guidance from their family priest or guru.
Householders can perform general worship, such as remembering Goddess Durga, chanting mantras, and reading the Durga Chalisa. However, complex tantric rituals and Mahanisha Puja require proper initiation, physical and mental purity, and should only be performed under the guidance of a competent guru.
