Durga Ashtami 2026: Mark your calendars for October 18-19

Durga Ashtami, the eighth day of the Navaratri festival, will commence at 8:27 am on October 18, 2026, according to the Drik Panchang calendar. The auspicious tithi will extend until 10:51 am on October 19, 2026, giving devotees a window to observe rituals and festivities dedicated to Goddess Durga.

The occasion holds particular significance in Hindu tradition, as it commemorates the fierce manifestation of the divine feminine and her victory over evil forces. Across India, temples witness special pujas and processions during this period, with devotees visiting shrines to seek blessings and offer prayers.

With the exact timings now established, many are preparing to share wishes and messages with family and friends through social media platforms and messaging applications. The festival provides an opportunity for communities to come together in celebration of religious and cultural values.

Durga Ashtami remains one of the most anticipated dates during the nine-day Navaratri festival, which culminates with Dussehra. Worshippers traditionally fast, perform rituals, and engage in cultural activities throughout this period to honour the goddess and her divine attributes.

Photo: Durga idols at the Shobhabazar Sarbojonin Durga Puja, Kolkata, October 2016. Sumit Surai via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).