Maha Ashtami

Held on : 3rd October

Maha Ashtami is the most significant and auspicious day amongst the 9-10 day festival of Durga Puja. Maha Ashtami is the 8th day of Durga Puja held in Aashin, or Aswhina month. ‘Maha’ means ‘Great’ and ‘Ashtami’ means the ‘Eight Day’, thus the name Maha Ashtami. Ashtami is the highest point of celebration during the Durga Puja Festival. As per legend, on this day Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura, the buffalo-demon. Based on varying traditions as per varying regions this victory is also celebrated on the last day of Durga Puja. The feats of Goddess Durga creates an atmosphere of euphoria amongst the devotees as they chant her name. Devotees are so awed by her courage and power, that they start preparing, for this occasion from a long period of time; some even a year. Prayers, processions and musical programmes mark the festival, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil. This victory inspires us to achieve the same in our lives. Though celebrated all over India, Maha Ashtami  is extremely popular in West Bengal, Andhra Pardesh, Orissa and Jharkhand.

History

There are 2 Legends associated with Maha Ashtami. These and their associated events vary from region to region as do the legend themselves.

Victory over Buffalo Demon - Buffalo Demon named Mahishasura was a nemesis for the whole universe. He was invincible because of invincibility boon given to him by Lord Brahma. In order to defeat the demon, the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh created a power from their divine energy, this power took the form of Goddess Durga. The Demon and the Goddess warred fiercely. The demon was a master of guise and would change his form from one to another before being killed. Finally, when the demon assumed the form of raging buffalo, durga struck the demon with a blow on his buffalo form; the moment he emerged from the buffalo form, durga struck him with a trident. Thus Mahishasura’s reign of terror came to an end.
 
Lord Rama’s Victory over ‘King of Demons’ – The king of demons, named Ravana had abducted Lord Rama’s wife Sita. Lord Rama accompanied with his army of monkeys attacked the abode of the demon. A fierce battle took place in which Lord Rama came out victorious. As per legend Ravana was killed in the ‘Sandhikhan’ (junction) between Ashtami (eighth day after new moon) and Navami (ninth day after new moon). This victory is also celebrated in the form of ‘Dussehra’, especially in North India.

Events and Activities

West Bengal is known worldwide for its Maha Ashtami festivities. Nowhere else, one will find such fervour as is present in Kolkata. These festivities are grand and require months of preparations. It is such a big day that life comes to a standstill to make way for the deserving auspicious day. There is hardly any place, where one will not be able to feel the festive mood which can be seen in the form of durga idols, shopping spree for edibles, dresses and all shapes and sizes of Pandals erected wherever there is enough space. Navadevi worshippers adorn and worship the Goddess in the form of Durga Devi (Durga Devi Alankaram). This is the second day of Devi Triratra Vratam.

Elsewhere in Delhi, Kalkaji temple and the Jhandewala temple hold major observation of Maha Ashtami, apart from other temples. Devotees offer flowers, sweetmeats and coconuts. Priests conduct the chants and rituals to mark the Maha Ashtami Puja. Devotees line up from the early hours to offer flowers. After the prayers, the Prasad (blessed food) is distributed and no one touches non vegetarian food. People dress up in traditional costumes especially for the occasion.

Traditional Practices

Pushpanjali – Pushpanjali is the practice of offering flowers to the deity. Goddess Durga is worshipped with 108 lotus flowers on this day. Devotees recite the mantras and offer flowers and pray for her blessings. Pushpanajali is observed from the early hours of the day. Everyone prepare for the morning prayers accompanied by flowers. The priest (purahi) offers prayers and is joined by devotees who fall at the goddess’s feet asking for blessings.

Puja Pandals – Ashtami cannot be imagined without Pandals. These pandals are like makeshift temples adorned with beautiful decorations. Every neighbourhood makes it own unique and visually delightful Pandals. These are used for public display of idols and more importantly to conduct elaborate rituals from early morning onwards. Beautiful and unique idols of Goddess Durga riding a raging lion, holding aloft ten weapons of war in her ten hands is a fascinating sight. Her trident is depicted plunging into the side of a monstrous buffalo, out of whose body emerges a demon. It is said that the goddess makes her annual visit to the world during this time and the festivities are meant to welcome her. These Pandals may have special themes focussing on certain social aspects apart from the conventional ones.  

Sandhi Puja  - Sandhi Puja or 108 'Dip' lighted Payer is one of the most important ritual during Durga Ashtami Puja in Bengal. 108 lamps are lighted to commemorate the Sandhipuja –  when Durga turned into the fearful Chamunda form to kill ‘Chando’ and ‘Mundo’, who were the two generals of  Mahishasura.

Mahagowri Puja – It is observed as part of Navadurga Puja during Navratri. It is dedicated to the Goddess Maha Gowri, which is the 8th form of Goddess Durga, which is very appropriate as it is the 8th day of Durga Puja as well. Gowri or Gouri is another name of Goddess Parvati. In this form she is depicted as having four hands and riding a Bull. Gowri is believed to have done penance to get Lord Shiva as husband, in this form. The day is also the second day of Saraswati Puja during Navratri. Bagalamukhi Dasamahavidya or Pitambari Dashamahavidya is worshipped by Dashamahavidya sampradaya sect. Vajreshwari Devi is the Goddess to worship on Durga Ashtami as a part of Saptamatrika Navaratri or Ashtamatrika Navaratri.

Bathukamma Festival - On Durga Ashtami Bathukamma festival is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh. This is the biggest Hindu festival in Telangana region of the state.

Kanya Puja - Durga Ashtami is also the most auspicious day to perform Kanya Puja (Kumari Puja / Kanjak Puja), Suvasini Puja, Dampat Puja (worship to married couple). Kanya Puja means ‘Girl Worship’, on ashtami little girls are worshipped as ‘Kumari’ or incarnation of Durga. They are revered, welcomed and offered various types of gifts and sweetmeats. This is typical observance throughout India.
 
Havans – Havan is a ‘Fire Ceremony’ meant to destroy all evil around us and in us. These maybe organised individually or communally. Havan kund is a square shaped structure where fire is burned and  objects such as fruits, honey, or wooden goods are put into the sacred fire. It is believed that any evil spirits around us or inside us get burned off in the sacred fire. It is believed that this sacrifice will bring health, happiness, luck and prosperity.

Sacrifice – In certain rural and semi-urban areas buffaloes and goats are sacrificed in front of the idols of Goddess Durga. But mostly, bananas, pumpkins and cucumbers are used as substitute to conduct the ceremony.

Yatra – Yatra means ‘Journey’, in rural areas, people observe take a 'Yatra'. People show their devotion by walking on foot for some distance as travelling is considered as auspicious.

Fairs and Camps – Commercial and fun based fairs are organised in many parts of the country. Some may organise blood camps, free medical check up camp or meditation camp to mark the day.

Alternate Names –Mahashtami, Durgashatami, Veerashtami, Navratri Ashtami.

Holiday Status – It is a Restricted Holiday.