Navratri Ashtami and Navami 2026: Today is the seventh day of Sharadiya Navratri on October 17, 2026. After Saptami in Navratri, Mahashtami and Mahanavami have special significance. On both these dates, special worship of Maa Durga is performed. Those who fast for nine days, break the fast after performing Kanya Puja on the day of Ashtami or Navami. In such a situation, it is very important for the devotees to know the exact date of these two dates, the muhurat of Kanya Puja and the time of opening the fast.
This year, there is confusion among the people about the dates of Mahashtami and Mahanavami. Someone feels that both dates are falling on October 19, while someone is preparing to perform Navami and Kanya Puja on October 20. In such a situation, the question is, when will Mahashtami and Mahanavami be celebrated? Which day is best for Kanya Puja and when can the devotees who fast for nine days break the fast? Let’s clear this confusion through dates and muhurats.
When is Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami on October 19 or 20?
According to the almanac, this year the conjunction of Ashtami and Navami dates is being formed on 19 October 2026. Ashtami Tithi will begin at 8.27 am on October 18 and end at 10.51 am on October 19. According to Udayatithi, the festival of Mahashtami will be celebrated on October 19.
At the same time, Navami Tithi will start at 10.51 am on October 19 and end at 12.50 pm on October 20. In this way, Ashtami Tithi will be on the morning of October 19 and Navami Tithi will start after 10:51 am. For this reason, there is confusion about the worship of both dates and Kanya Puja this time.
When to perform Kanya Puja on Ashtami and Navami?
This year, on October 19, there is a special coincidence of rituals related to Mahashtami and Mahanavami. Devotees who perform Kanya Puja on the day of Ashtami should keep in mind the Ashtami date and the scheduled muhurat according to their local calendar. At the same time, devotees who worship Kanya on the day of Navami can worship according to the muhurat of Navami Tithi.
Kanya Puja Muhurat on Ashtami: 9:06 am to 10:35 am (October 19)
Kanya Puja Muhurat on Navami: 11:41 AM to 12:28 PM (October 19)
Dussehra will be celebrated on October 20
After Navratri, the festival of Dussehra i.e. Vijayadashami will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. On this day, remembering the killing of Ravana by Lord Shri Ram and the destruction of Mahishasura by Maa Durga, the victory of good over evil is celebrated. Effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna are burnt across the country.
Importance of Kanya Puja
Kanya Puja is considered to be an important part of Navratri worship. During this time, nine girls from 2 to 10 years of age are worshiped as a symbol of the nine forms of Maa Durga. There is a religious belief that worshiping girls and feeding them brings the blessings of Maa Durga. In many traditions, a small boy is also fed along with nine girls, which is considered a symbol of Bhairav or Langura. Many devotees who fast and practice for nine days open their fast only after Kanya Puja.
Method of Kanya Puja
Welcome to girls: Call girls home and make them sit on the seat respectfully. After this, wash their feet with clean water and apply kumkum and akshat tilak on the forehead.
Offering halwa, puri and black gram: Prepare sattvic food for girls with purity in the house. Traditionally, halwa, puri and black gram are served.
In many families, a small boy is also seated with nine girls. He is considered to be a symbol of Bhairav or Langura.
Farewell by giving gifts: After feeding the food, give dakshina, gift or red chunari to the girls according to their ability. Touch their feet and take blessings and send them off respectfully.