Durga Ashtami Navratri 2017: Value of Navratri Ashtami , Date Navratri Ashtami

• Home/
• News/
• Durga Ashtami Navratri 2017: Value of Navratri Ashtami , Date Navratri Ashtami  

Durga Ashtami Navratri 2017: Value of Navratri Ashtami, Date Navratri Ashtami

Sharad Navratri 2017 is all set to kickstart on 21st Sept 2017. Navratri is one in all the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with much enthusiasm across the country. Devotees, worship nine forms of Durga on each of these 9 days, offering her prasad and bhog of fruits and sweets. some of them also observe the ritualistic Navratiri fasts to please their beloved divinity. on the day of fasting, devotees only consume certain, fruits and grains which ar permissible in the fasting period. several special vrat recipes take the centre-stage in the fasting household. The eight day of Navratri is called Ashtami, and several Hindus consider the day to be the foremost important day of all the 9 days of Navratri. This year Ashtami would be celebrated on 28th September.

This year Ashtami or Mahashtami falls on - 28th September 2017

Ashtami Tithi begins=7:08 PM on 27th September 2017

Ashtami Tithi Ends=9:36 PM on 28th September 2017

Durga Ashtami 2017 or Mahashtami 

In Bengal and adjacent states especially, Durga Ashtami holds immense significance in Durga Puja celebrations. Devotees adorn themselves in new clothes and gather in the pandals early within the morning. several pandals also follow the practice of offering a special 'Ashtami Bhog'. Among all three days of durga Puja, (Navami, Mahashtami and Dashmi), there is a ritual of serving delicious bhog to the devotees on large scale. Khichdi, mixed vegetable, papad, tomato chutney, roshogolla and payesh are some of the staples you would find in a typical Durga Puja bhog. On the day of Ashtami, the bhog has special additions most common being rice in situ of khichdi,chana dal, a curry of paneer, mixed vegetables, begun bhaja, tomato chutney, papad, rajbhog and the delectable payesh.

Several special rituals take place on the day of Ashtami, just like the renowned 'Astra Puja', that is a custom to worship goddess Durga's weapons with which she defeated the powerful buffalo demon Mahisasura.

It is said that it had been on the day of Ashtami, once an extended drawn battle between goddess Durga and Mahishasura, goddess Kali appeared from Durga's forehead to annihilate Mahishasura's demons - Chanda, munda and Rakthabija. therefore on this day, Ashta Nayikas, or the eight forms or incarnations of Shakti together forming the divine power area unit worshipped in the form of Durga.

via: durgabari.org

Durga Ashtami Navratri 2017: Value of Navratri Ashtami, 

Mahashtami  Puja Rituals and sandhi Puja 

The Ashtami puja begins with the Mahasnan or the good ritualistic bath, which is followed by the Shodashopachar Puja. in this puja, 9 earthern pots area unit placed in the centre and worshipped. The ritual is claimed to invoke the 9 shaktis of Durga.

Around evenings, another grand puja is performed with lots of enthusiasm. This puja is called the sandhi Puja, which is performed in an auspicious time called the sandhi time. The auspicious time often falls in the last twenty four minutes of Ashtami or 1st twenty four minutes of Navami. The time is said to be the peak point of the pious night of Ashtami, hence it is celebrated with much fervour. 108 material lamps are lit during the sandhi time as a customary ritual to invoke the blessings of the god.

Durga Ashtami Navratri 2017: Value of Navratri Ashtami, 

Kanya Puja, Kumari Puja or Kanjak on Mahashtami 2017 

Another common ritual followed across the country is that of Kanya pooja or Kanjak. In Kanjak or Kanya Puja, 9 ladies are welcome into the house by 1st laundry their feet and then tying moli (red thread) around their wrists. These ladies are seated in a line and given halwa, poori and chole (also known as 'bhog') along side all kinds of gifts: pencil boxes, hair clips, clothes etc. These young ladies that haven't yet hit puberty are seen as the embodiment of god Durga. Devotees often select the Mahashtami day to perform the rituals, while some follow the ritual on the day of Navami.