Durga Pooja Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is an important day during the festival of Durga Pooja, which is observed by Hindus in India and Nepal. It is observed on the eighth day of the festival, which falls on the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin.
Durga Pooja Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is an important day during the festival of Durga Pooja, which is observed by Hindus in India and Nepal. It is observed on the eighth day of the festival, which falls on the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin.
Durga Pooja Ashtami is a time for worshipping the goddess Durga and seeking her blessings. On this day, devotees perform puja rituals and offer prayers to the goddess. It is also a time for cultural celebrations, with many people participating in cultural programs, such as music and dance performances.
In addition to the religious significance of Durga Pooja Ashtami, the festival is also an important social event, and many people visit temples, friends, and family on this day. It is a time of joy and celebration and is an important festival in the Hindu calendar.
Durga Pooja Ashtami is followed by the final day of the festival, known as Durga Pooja Navami, on which the goddess Durga is worshipped in her nine forms.
Attire
During the festival of Durga Pooja Ashtami, it is traditional for devotees to wear new, clean clothes as a sign of respect and devotion to the goddess Durga. Men typically wear dhoti or kurta pyjama, while women wear sari or salwar kameez. It is also common for women to wear traditional ornaments, such as bangles and bindi, as a sign of respect.
During the festival, devotees also observe a strict fast and abstain from consuming food or water for extended periods of time. As a result, it is important to wear comfortable clothes that allow for easy movement and do not restrict breathing or circulation.
In addition to traditional clothing, devotees may also wear red or yellow garments as a sign of respect and devotion to the goddess Durga. These colors are considered auspicious in Hinduism and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
Overall, the dress for Durga Pooja Ashtami should be modest and respectful, and should be chosen with care and consideration for the religious significance of the festival.
Food
During the festival of Durga Pooja Ashtami, the Hindu community prepares a variety of special dishes and offers them as prasad to the goddess Durga. Some of the common dishes that are prepared and offered as prasad during Durga Pooja Ashtami include:
- Thekua: A type of sweet biscuit made from wheat flour, sugar, and ghee. It is a popular prasad offered during Durga Pooja Ashtami and is typically prepared in large quantities.
- Lai: A sweet made from rice flour and jaggery, shaped into small balls and deep-fried. It is a popular prasad offered during Durga Pooja Ashtami.
- Kheer: A sweet pudding made from rice, milk, and sugar. It is a common offering during Durga Pooja Ashtami and is prepared in large quantities to be distributed as prasad.
- Puri: A type of fried bread made from wheat flour and water. It is a common prasad offered during Durga Pooja Ashtami and is often served with curry or chana masala.
- Banana: Bananas are a common offering during Durga Pooja Ashtami and are considered a symbol of prosperity and good luck. They are often offered as prasad along with other sweet dishes.
