The Maha Ashtami of Navratri is considered to be special, as many devotees observe their Navratri fast on this date. Goddess Durga is worshipped on Maha Ashtami 2025. She is considered the half-sister of Lord Shiva. Apart from this, the day is also regarded as auspicious for Kanya Pujan and Havan Pujan. This year, Navratri Ashtami will be celebrated on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Here, you will find information about the Ashtami Puja Muhurat and Puja Vidhi.
Devotees offer prayers at the Maa Pateshwari Devi Temple in Ayodhya on the occasion of Maha Ashtami Navratri. A devotee from Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh told the news agency ANI, "Today is Maha Ashtami and devotees have come to offer prayers to Maa Pateshwari Devi..."
Another devotee said, "We have come to offer prayers to Pateshwari Devi temple...Tomorrow, we will celebrate Ram Navami with joy and happiness..."
Chaitra Navratri 2025 Ashtami Pujan Muhurat
The Chaitra Navratri Ashtami Pujan Muhurat will begin at 6:07 AM on April 5 and will last until 12:49 PM.
Navratri Ashtami Puja Vidhi
On the eighth day of the Navratri fast, wear white clothes after bathing in the morning.
Worship Maa Mahagauri.
It is considered auspicious to offer white flowers to the goddess on this day.
Light a lamp filled with ghee in front of the deity.
Apply kumkum tilak to Mata Rani and offer panchmeva (a mix of five dry fruits) to her.
Recite the story of Mata Mahagauri and perform her aarti.
Many devotees also perform Havan Pujan and Kanya Pujan on this day.
After the puja, distribute prasad to everyone.
Also Read | Chaitra Navratri 2025: Meat and Fish Shops To Remain Shut During Navratri in Varanasi.
Navratri Ashtami Kanya Pujan
Kanya Pujan holds special significance on the Ashtami of Navratri. Those who end their fast on this day worship Mata Rani, perform Havan Pujan, and then worship young girls (kanyas). It is believed that the Navratri fast is incomplete without Kanya Pujan. Therefore, it is essential to perform Kanya Puja during Navratri.
Navratri, which means 'nine nights' in Sanskrit, is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, known collectively as Navdurga. Hindus observe four Navratris throughout the year, but only two--Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri--are widely celebrated, as they coincide with the changing of the seasons. In India, Navratri is celebrated in various forms and traditions.