Durga Ashtami is also known as Maha Ashtami. This is the eighth day of Navratri and dedicated to Goddess Maha Gauri. On this auspicious day, devotees offer prayers to Goddess Maha Gauri and perform Kanya Pujan. This day also symbolizes the victory of good over evil and celebrated on Ashtami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwina. Maha Ashtami is going to be celebrated on October 11, 2024. Durga Ashtami 2024: Date and TimeAshtami Tithi Begins - October 10, 2024 - 12:31 PMAshtami Tithi Ends - October 11, 2024 - 12:06 PMDurga Ashtami 2024: SignificanceDurga Ashtami is one of the most significant day in Hinduism. This day is purely dedicated to worship Maa Durga. On this auspicious day, devotees offer prayers to the eighth form of Maa Durga, Goddess Maha Gauri. As per legends, the eight forms of Maa Durga emerged from Maha Gauri Maa and here are the names of eight form:BrahmaniMaheshwariKaumariVaishnaviVarahiNarsinghiIndraniChamudaAs per Hindu Scriptures, Maa Durga is th divine feminine energy ad the mother of this universe. She is the one who created this universe and the shakti who resides within us. She is the power, creation, preservation and destruction of the universe. Maa Durga is the hindu warrior Goddess who takes birth to defeat all the demons and to establish the righeousness in the universe. She has ten arms and possess all the divine super powers to protect the devotees from evil energy, evil eye and black magic. It is believed that after killing all the demons, Maa Durga appeared in the form Maa Gauri and deities worshipped the Goddess and offered prayers. This day is celebrated as the victory of good over evil and people celebrate this day with a lot of happiness and enthusiasm. Goddess killed various demons during these days but here are the names of few demons: Chand, Munda, Shumbh, Nishumbh, Raktabeej, Mahishasura. Who is Maa Gauri?Maa Gauri has a very fair complexion like a snow and extremely beautiful and she wear white and pink colour clothes and jewellery. She symbolizes calmness, piousness, and a compassionate Goddess. The one who worship the Goddess Maha Gauri, get blessed with happiness, prosperity, calmness and also desired life partner. She holds Damru, and in the form of granting boons to the devotees. Kanya Pujan on Durga Ashtami This day holds great significance as it symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the feminine divine power. One of the main rituals observed on Durga Ashtami is Kanya Pujan (also known as Kumari Pujan), where young girls are worshipped as incarnations of the goddess. People invite 9 young girl child and worship them as a symbol of Maha Gauri Maa. Devotees of Maa Durga offer them food, Dakshina and various gifts.Durga Ashtami 2024: Puja Vidhi1. Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath and clean the home. 2. Light a diya in front of the Goddess, offer fresh red rose garland, hibiscus flower, offer vermillion, other shringar items, and recite Durga Saptashati Paath.3. Prepare halwa poori and chana for the Kanya Pujan.4. Break the coconut and sprinkle the Kalash water everywhere.5. Offer bhog prasad to offer Maa Durga.6. Invite 9 girls aged between 4 to 12.7. Wash their feet, Put tilak and tie kalawa (sacred thread) around their wrist.8. Offer them food ( Semolina Halwa, Poori and Chana) along with a piece of coconut.9. People offer them dakshina and various gift items.10. Take blessings of little girls by touching feet.11. Devotees must donate food, fruits and clothes to the needy and poor girls.Durga Mantra1. ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः॥Om Devi Maha Gaurya Namah..!!2. ॐ सर्वमंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके। शरण्ये त्रयम्बके गौरी नारायणी नमोस्तुते।।Om Sarva Mangal Mangalayayei Shive Sarvartha Sadhike, Sharanyayi Triambike Gauri Narayani Namostute..!!