Durga Ashtami Vrat is a dedicated observance to worship Goddess Durga. Masik Durga Ashtami is observed on the eighth day (ashtami tithi) of the waxing phase (shukla paksha) of every month in the Hindu calendar.

On this day, the weapons of Goddess Durga are worshipped in a ritual known as Astra Puja. It is also referred to as Virashtami.

Devotees keep fast and offer prayers to Goddess Durga to seek her blessings on this occasion.

In June 2023, Durga Ashtami Vrat falls on Monday, June 26.

The timing for this tithi spans from June 26, 12:25 AM, to June 27, 02:05 AM.

The rituals of Durga Ashtami Vrat involve devotees waking up early in the morning, taking a bath, and making various offerings to the Goddess such as flowers, sandalwood paste, and incense (dhoop).

Naivedya, a special food offering, is also prepared for the Goddess.

Fasting is an important aspect of Durga Ashtami Vrat. Observers of this vrat abstain from eating or drinking throughout the day.

Some devotees choose to keep the fast by consuming only milk and fruits.

It is strictly prohibited to consume non-vegetarian food and alcohol on this day.

Vrat observers sleep on the floor as part of their dedication.

Devotees also chant the mantras of the Goddess and recite the Durga Chalisa on this day. Towards the end of the puja, they read the Durga Ashtami Vrat katha (narrative).

After completing the puja rituals, vrat observers provide food and dakshina (donations) to Brahmins.

In the evening, they visit temples dedicated to the Goddess.

The significance of Durga Ashtami Vrat lies in seeking spiritual growth and blessings from Goddess Durga.

It is believed that those who observe the Durga Ashtami Vrat with complete dedication will be bestowed with happiness and good fortune.

Durga Ashtami Vrat 2023 Dates: 

January 29th
Sunday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Jan 28, 8:43 AM - Jan 29, 9:05 AM
February 27th
Monday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Feb 27, 12:59 AM - Feb 28, 2:21 AM
March 29th
Wednesday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Mar 28, 7:03 PM - Mar 29, 9:07 PM
April 28th
Friday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Apr 27, 1:39 PM - Apr 28, 4:01 PM
May 28th
Sunday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : May 27, 7:43 AM - May 28, 9:57 AM
June 26th
Monday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Jun 26, 12:25 AM - Jun 27, 2:05 AM
July 26th
Wednesday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Jul 25, 3:09 PM - Jul 26, 3:52 PM
August 24th
Thursday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Aug 24, 3:31 AM - Aug 25, 3:11 AM
September 23rd
Saturday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Sep 22, 1:35 PM - Sep 23, 12:18 PM
October 22nd
Sunday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Oct 21, 9:53 PM - Oct 22, 7:59 PM
November 20th
Monday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Nov 20, 5:22 AM - Nov 21, 3:16 AM
December 20th
Wednesday		 Ashtami Tithi Timing : Dec 19, 1:07 PM - Dec 20, 11:14 AM