Due to some uncertainty among people regarding the dates of Mahaashtami and Mahanavami during Sharadiya Navratri, especially for those observing fasts on Ashtami or performing puja and havan on Navami, experts have clarified the dates for these rituals.
In some families, worship is traditionally performed on Ashtami, while in others, the focus is on Navami. Questions arise about which day to observe the fast and worship on Ashtami, when the Mahanavami puja will take place, when it is auspicious to perform Kanya puja, and what the time for Sandhi puja is.
This year, Sharadiya Navratri will begin on October 11 and conclude on October 20 with the celebration of Vijayadashami. Expert Pandit Pravin Mishra provided information regarding the dates for Mahaashtami and Mahanavami.
Ashtami Tithi this year begins on October 18, 2026, at 8:27 AM and ends on October 19, 2026, at 10:51 AM. According to the waxing date, Ashtami will be considered on October 19. Thus, those whose traditions include special worship, havans, or Kanya puja on Ashtami can perform these rites on October 19.
If you are observing a fast on Ashtami, you should refrain from food on October 19 and worship the eighth form of Mother Durga, Mahagauri, according to all established rituals. People performing puja or feeding Kanyas can also perform this ritual during Ashtami Tithi on October 19. It is recommended to complete all Ashtami-related worship and Kanya puja before 10:51 AM.
For families where tradition dictates performing Mahaashtami at night, especially when worshipping Kuldevi or Mata Chamunda, they can conduct their family rituals on the night of October 18 after Ashtami Tithi commences.
After Ashtami Tithi ends on October 19 at 10:51 AM, Navami Tithi will begin. Consequently, Mahanavami puja, havan, and Kanya puja can be performed on October 19 after 10:51 AM.
If your family tradition involves performing Kanya puja on Navami, you can do so on October 19 after 10:51 AM. This means that Kanya puja can be performed on both Mahaashtami and Mahanavami on October 19.
Some people attach special importance to the waxing date and may perform Mahanavami puja and Kanya puja on October 20 as well. However, on this day, Navami Tithi lasts only until 12:50 PM. Therefore, devotees performing rituals according to Navami on October 20 must complete them before 12:50 PM.
Those whose traditions require observing a fast on Mahanavami can do so on the day of Navami, which is October 19. On this day, one should worship Mother Durga and observe the fast all day. It is considered appropriate to conclude the fast on the following day, Vijayadashami.
This year, the time for Sandhi puja is scheduled for October 19, 2026, from 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM, totaling only 48 minutes. This period, called Sandhi Kaal, comprises the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami.
In sacred scriptures, Sandhi Kaal is considered extremely important. According to religious beliefs, it was at this time that Mother Durga took the form of Chamunda and destroyed the demons Chanda and Munda. For this reason, the form of Chamunda of Mother Durga is specially revered during Sandhi puja. It is believed that worshipping Mother Chamunda at this special time brings the goddess's grace. Devotees offer the goddess lotus flowers and other items for worship according to their faith.
