Durga Ashtami 2026: Date, Sandhi Puja Time & Kanya Pujan
Exact Ashtami tithi window and the sunrise-vs-midday rule that explains the date confusion.
Durga Ashtami (Maha Ashtami) 2026 is Mon, 19 Oct 2026 by the sunrise-tithi rule, though some calendars list Sun, 18 Oct 2026 using the midday rule. The Ashtami tithi runs Sun 18 Oct, 8:29 am to Mon 19 Oct, 10:52 am IST, and Sandhi Puja — the junction of Ashtami and Navami — is around 10:28 am to 11:16 am.
| Detail | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Ashtami tithi begins | Sun 18 Oct, 8:29 am |
| Ashtami tithi ends | Mon 19 Oct, 10:52 am |
| Sandhi Puja (48 min) | 10:28 am – 11:16 am |
| Observed (sunrise rule) | Mon, 19 Oct 2026 |
| Observed (midday rule) | Sun, 18 Oct 2026 |
Kanya Pujan on Ashtami
Many households honour nine young girls (Kanya Pujan) on Ashtami or Navami, washing their feet, offering halwa, chana and puri, and giving small gifts. Choose the day your family or temple follows, and confirm local timings with your priest.
Goddess and crystal for Ashtami
In the nine-day tradition used on our Navratri guide, the eighth day honours Mahagauri, paired with garnet — a traditional pairing, not a guaranteed remedy.
Related: Durga Puja 2026 · Dussehra 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Durga Ashtami 2026 kab hai?+
Mon, 19 Oct 2026 (sunrise-tithi niyam). Kuch panchang Sun, 18 Oct 2026 dikhate hain (madhyahna niyam). Ashtami tithi Sun 18 Oct, 8:29 am se Mon 19 Oct, 10:52 am tak hai.
What time is Sandhi Puja 2026?+
About 10:28 am to 11:16 am IST, the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and first 24 of Navami. Pandals publish city timings.
Is Kanya Pujan done on Ashtami or Navami?+
Either, depending on family and regional custom. Many do it on Ashtami, others on Navami.
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