Maha Ashtami 2026: Auspicious timings for Kanya Pujan rituals announced

Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri celebrations, will fall on October 19, 2026, marking a significant occasion in the Hindu festival calendar. On this day, devotees across India, particularly in eastern and central regions, perform Kanya Pujan—the worship of nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

According to Hindu calendar calculations, the auspicious timing for performing Kanya Pujan rituals on Maha Ashtami has been determined based on traditional panchang guidelines. Worshippers are advised to conduct the ceremonies during the prescribed muhurat to ensure spiritual efficacy and adherence to scriptural customs.

The Kanya Pujan ritual involves welcoming nine young girls into homes or temples, washing their feet, and offering them food and gifts as symbolic representations of the divine feminine. This practice is particularly prominent in West Bengal, Assam, and parts of North India, where elaborate celebrations mark the Durga Puja festival.

Following Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami—the ninth and final day of Navratri—will conclude the festival period. Devotees are urged to consult local priests or authentic panchang sources for precise timings applicable to their specific regions, as muhurat calculations may vary based on geographical location and local astronomical observations.