What does Ashtami Symbolize?
Durgashtami or Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami is the eighth day of Navratri celebrations symbolized by Goddess Mahagauri. If we talk about female power, this week can be aptly termed as Women’s/Girls Week – with almost everything starting from Navratri to International Day of the Girl Child to Durga Puja falling in this very week.
The nine-day celebrations, each referring to each form of Goddess Durga, are observed in the Ashwin month, typically falling in the months of September-October. People look forward to this festive season with great warmth and eagerness.
How do people enjoy Ashtami?
- Colorful 🔆
People dressed colorfully and exotically get together exhibiting their perfect moves via the famous ‘Garba dance.
- Jam-Packed Markets 🛍
Chitter chatter of people and honk honk of vehicles fill the markets with great enthusiastic vibes. Even with no intention of shopping, you tend to buy a lot of things.
- Astra Puja 🔪
The divine weapons of Goddess Durga are also worshipped on this day, hence Astra Puja (Worshipping Weapons).
- Virashtami 🥋
Similar to Astra puja, the day is also called virashtami to mark a display of martial arts. The reason behind this is the destruction of the demon Mahishasura by Maa Durga on this day as an answer to the prayers of her children.
- Grand bath 🪔
Some people follow the ritual of having a grand bath (mahasnan) to wash away impurities and negative thoughts. Then nine small pos (or diyas) are installed to worship the nine forms of Shakti (Durga).
- Kumari Puja 👸
The tradition is generally followed in North India of honoring the kanyaka (young girls) by welcoming them, washing their feet, and following other rituals. The kanyaka symbolizes the Shakti of Devi Durga. It is considered one of the best ways to worship Maa Durga as it indicates the respect our young girls deserve in society.
- Eight aspects ৪
The day also aims to appease all the vibrant eight aspects of Maa Durga, i.e., Brahmacharini, Maheshwari, Kameshwari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Narasinghi, Indrani, and Chamunda.
- Gobble Gobble 🍴
The best and perfect part of Ashtami is the specially prepared puri, halwa, and chana. This is the only day in the entire year when I can eat heavy early in the morning – it tastes special, trust me ☺. Moreover, it’s a relief for the people who have been fasting since the start of the Navratri.
Not only in India, but the festival is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in some of our neighboring countries. Maa Durga bestows her love and blessings on her children to help them with good health, the right direction, and a happy life. She encourages us to kill the demons inside us with the same determination she killed the ferocious monster to protect us.
The day in itself is so significant that it has become the most important of all the Navratri days.
All in all, it marks the start of a happy change spreading joy and positivity around!
Have a remarkable Durga Ashtami and Durga Puja
Avani Raj Arora