Durgāṣṭamī (Mahāṣṭamī) 2023: Pomona, California

Durgā Aṣṭamī, also called Mahā Aṣṭamī, is the eighth day of Śārada Navarātri in the month of Ashvayuja (Ashvin). It is one of the most sacred days of the Navaratri, when the Goddess is worshipped as Mahāgaurī, radiant and pure.

Devotees keep a fast and perform elaborate worship of Goddess Durga. In many homes young girls are honoured as forms of the Devi in Kanya Puja (Kumari Puja), fed and given gifts. At the meeting point of Ashtami and Navami, the Sandhi Pūjā is offered with 108 lamps and lotuses, recalling the moment the Goddess vanquished Chanda and Munda.

In Bengal the day is Maha Ashtami of Durga Puja, with morning pushpanjali to the Goddess; in many places weapons and tools are also honoured.