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Pandit Pravin Mishra determined the exact date of Mahashtami Navratri 2026 based on Panchang
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Pandit Pravin Mishra determined the exact date of Mahashtami Navratri 2026 based on Panchang

In the Sharadiya Navratri tradition, there is a custom of observing Kunja Puja on Ashtami day. On this day, fasting is observed in homes, worship (havan) is performed, and Kunja Puja is conducted. Due to this, there is currently a significant misunderstanding among people regarding the date of Mahashtami, as some state October 18th, while others state October 19th.

However, Pandit Pravin Mishra, after studying the Panchang, was able to establish the correct date for Mahashtami. Below is information on when Kunja Puja will be held in honor of Mahashtami.

According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ashtami date this year will last from 8:27 AM on October 18th until 10:51 AM on October 19th. Based on the ascending date (Udaya Tithi), Kunja Puja Mahashtami will take place on October 19th, Monday. Sacred scriptures indicate that the form of Goddess Durga, Mahagauri, is worshipped on this day.

According to astrologers, three auspicious times (Abhijit Muhurta) were designated for performing Kunja Puja on Ashtami day on October 19th:

  • First time (Brahma Muhurta): from 04:52 to 05:40 AM
  • Second time (Amrita Kal): from 07:28 to 09:16 AM
  • Third time (Abhijit Muhurta): from 11:49 AM to 12:34 PM

The day before Mahashtami, it is customary to visit homes to invite guests. Usually, girls aged between 2 and 10 years are invited for worship. On Ashtami day itself, one must wake up early, take a bath, then sanctify the house by sprinkling Gangajal in it. Upon arriving at the house, the girls should be welcomed, their feet washed in a tray, and then wiped with a clean cloth. After this, they are seated.

There is also a tradition of placing a boy next to the girls as a symbol of Battuk Bhairava. Then, a tilak made of roli or kumkum is applied to the forehead of the girls, flowers are offered to them, and prayers are offered for well-being and prosperity, remembering Goddess Durga. After this, the girls are given sattvic food such as puri, halwa, chhena, and other dishes. After eating, they may be given sweets or fruits. Finally, depending on the means, they are presented with dan-dakshina, fruits, gifts, or chunri, showing respect and affection towards them. At the end, they touch the feet to receive blessings, after which shouts in honor of Mata Rani are uttered, and the blessings of these divine girls are accepted.

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Pitru Paksha 2026: Sharaddha Ritual on Ashtami Tithi, Time and Tarpana-Pindadana Ceremony
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Pitru Paksha 2026: Sharaddha Ritual on Ashtami Tithi, Time and Tarpana-Pindadana Ceremony

During Pitru Paksha 2026, the Sharaddha ritual will be performed on Ashtami Tithi, which falls on Saturday, September 3rd. Special significance is given to Ashtami Tithi Sharaddha because it is intended for deceased individuals whose death occurred on the eighth day (Ashtami Tithi) either in the lunar or new moon phase of any month.

On this day, the tradition of performing tarpana, conducting a havan, panchbali, and offering food to Brahmins is observed. A detailed description of the time, auspicious moment, and procedure for the Ashtami Tithi ritual is presented next.

According to the Hindu Panchang, Ashtami Tithi will begin on October 3rd at 7:59 AM and conclude on October 4th at 5:51 AM. The Kutup Muhurta is considered auspicious for performing Sharaddha rituals. On October 3rd, the Kutup Vela will last from 11:46 AM to 12:34 PM.

When performing the Sharaddha ritual during Pitru Paksha, one must first prepare a seat made of Kusha grass. One should sit facing east. After that, incense and a lamp should be lit, and flowers, garlands, and offerings should be placed before the deities, sages, and ancestors. Then, clean water is taken in a vessel or plate, to which black seeds, raw milk, barley, and Tulsi leaves are added. An empty vessel is also kept nearby.

Next, a sacred amulet made of Kusha is worn on the ring finger. After this, taking the water, incense, coin, and flowers in hand, the person decides on the tarpana of the ancestors. Rose petals are added to the water for tarpana. While holding the akshata, invocations are made to the deities and sages. Then, tarpana is performed while chanting mantras. According to the worship procedure, the tarpana of the deities is done by facing east, and the tarpana of the sages—facing north. Traditionally, the water for the ancestors is offered while facing south.

A havan is also conducted as part of the Sharaddha ritual. The method of offering cow's milk, yogurt, ghee, and Kira into the fire is described. After this, as part of the panchbali, a portion of food is allocated for the cow, dog, and crow. To conclude the Sharaddha ritual, a worthy Brahmin is solemnly offered food. By tradition, the food can also be fed to a son-in-law or nephew. After eating, alms and offerings are given. Then, family members partake in the prasad.

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