Festivals · 2026
Durga Ashtami 2026: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Durga Ashtami in 2026 falls on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Computed for Delhi (IST) from the drik-ganit panchang, by the rule: shukla ashtami tithi prevailing at sunset. Abhijit Muhurat runs 11:43 AM – 12:29 PM IST.
The date
Sunday, 18 October 2026
Abhijit Muhurat (shubh for all works) 11:43 AM – 12:29 PM IST
Rule: Shukla Ashtami tithi prevailing at sunset
Reference city: Delhi (IST)
Shubh muhurat windows
The signature timing is the Sandhi Puja at the Ashtami–Navami junction (the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and first 24 of Navami). The day's Abhijit Muhurat above serves daytime puja; the junction window is computed in the app.
| Window | Time (IST) | City |
|---|---|---|
| Abhijit Muhurat (shubh for all works) | 11:43 AM – 12:29 PM | Delhi |
The Abhijit Muhurat is the midday window most digests treat as universally auspicious — Wednesdays excepted (what it is and why). Windows are computed for Delhi; your city's exact span shifts with local sunrise — check the city panchang or the Bela app.
What does Durga Ashtami celebrate?
Durga Ashtami (Maha Ashtami) is the eighth tithi of Sharad Navratri and the central day of Durga Puja: the goddess's weapons are worshipped (Astra Puja), the Sandhi Puja is performed at the Ashtami-Navami junction, and homes hold kanya pujan.
The story and significance of Durga Ashtami
On Maha Ashtami, Durga's battle with Mahishasura reaches its height. In Bengal the day's pushpanjali and the evening Sandhi Puja — offered in the exact 48-minute junction of Ashtami and Navami — are the most watched rites of the year.
Across North India, families observe kanjak: nine girls, the nine goddesses embodied, are fed halwa, puri and chana and given gifts.
Durga Ashtami dates by year
| Year | Date | Day | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 October 2026 | Sunday | This page |
| 2027 | 7 October 2027 | Thursday | Durga Ashtami 2027 → |
Frequently asked questions
When is Durga Ashtami in 2026?
Durga Ashtami in 2026 falls on Sunday, 18 October 2026. The date is computed for Delhi from the rule: shukla ashtami tithi prevailing at sunset.
What does Durga Ashtami celebrate?
Durga Ashtami (Maha Ashtami) is the eighth tithi of Sharad Navratri and the central day of Durga Puja: the goddess's weapons are worshipped (Astra Puja), the Sandhi Puja is performed at the Ashtami-Navami junction, and homes hold kanya pujan.
What is the shubh muhurat on Durga Ashtami 2026?
The computed windows for 18 October 2026 (Delhi): Abhijit Muhurat — 11:43 AM to 12:29 PM IST. The signature timing is the Sandhi Puja at the Ashtami–Navami junction (the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and first 24 of Navami). The day's Abhijit Muhurat above serves daytime puja; the junction window is computed in the app.
Does the Durga Ashtami date change from city to city?
Yes, it can. Durga Ashtami is fixed by a tithi prevailing at a specific moment — sunrise, noon, sunset or midnight — and that moment is local. Moving west or east across longitudes can push the prevailing tithi across a civil-date boundary, so Mumbai, Kolkata or New York can observe a day apart from Delhi. Smarta and Vaishnava traditions also differ on some fasting days. The date above follows the popular North-Indian convention for Delhi; the Bela app recomputes for your exact location.
When is Durga Ashtami in 2027?
Durga Ashtami in 2027 falls on Thursday, 7 October 2027. Full windows and notes are on the Durga Ashtami 2027 page, linked below.
Related
Every festival, computed the same honest way.
Exact dates, muhurat windows and the classical rule behind each one — for your own city, not just Delhi.
