When is Durga Ashtami 2026? During Navratri, the Durga Ashtami fast is observed on the *Ashwin Shukla Ashtami* *Tithi* (lunar day), and Goddess Mahagauri—the eighth form of Goddess Durga—is worshipped. There is some confusion regarding the date of Durga Ashtami this year because the *Ashtami Tithi* prevails from the morning on both October 18 and October 19. To clarify when the fast should be observed and when Goddess Mahagauri should be worshipped, let us consult astrologer Dr. Mrityunjay Tiwari regarding the correct date and auspicious timing (*Muhurat*) for Durga Ashtami.

Durga Ashtami: October 18 or 19?
To determine the correct date for Durga Ashtami, one must first check the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac) for the start and end times of the *Ashwin Shukla Ashtami Tithi*. This year, the *Ashwin Shukla Ashtami Tithi* begins at 8:27 AM on Sunday, October 18. Sunrise on that day is at 6:24 AM.

Meanwhile, the *Ashtami Tithi* concludes at 10:51 AM on Monday, October 19. Sunrise on this day is also at 6:24 AM. People might feel that since the *Ashtami Tithi* is present throughout the day on October 18, the fast should be observed on that day. However, that is not the case.

Based on *Udaya Tithi* (the *Tithi* prevailing at sunrise), the *Ashtami Tithi* falls on October 19. Therefore, the Durga Ashtami fast will be observed on Monday, October 19.

The Ideal Scenario for Durga Ashtami
According to the rules governing fasting, if the *Saptami Tithi* overlaps with the *Ashtami Tithi*, that *Ashtami* is generally avoided. If the *Navami Tithi* is associated with the *Ashtami*, then the *Ashtami* fast and worship should be performed on that day.

This year, based on *Udaya Tithi*, October 18 marks the *Saptami Tithi*, although the *Ashtami* begins at 8:27 AM. On that day, the *Ashtami* (eighth day) overlaps with the *Saptami* (seventh day); therefore, the Durga Ashtami fast and worship will not take place then. On October 19, the *Navami* (ninth day) begins at 10:51 AM, coinciding with the *Udayatithi* (sunrise tithi) of *Ashtami*. Since *Ashtami* and *Navami* converge on this day, it is considered ideal for the Durga Ashtami fast and worship. Thus, the Durga Ashtami fast and rituals should be observed on October 19.

**Durga Ashtami Fast: Three Auspicious Yogas**
Three auspicious *Yogas* (astrological combinations) are forming on the day of the Durga Ashtami fast: *Dhriti Yoga*, *Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga*, and *Ravi Yoga*. *Dhriti Yoga* will prevail from morning until night. Meanwhile, *Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga* and *Ravi Yoga* will begin at 03:38 PM and continue until 06:25 AM the following day, October 20. All three of these *Yogas* are considered highly auspicious and fruitful.

**Durga Ashtami 2026: Auspicious Timings (Muhurat)**
On Durga Ashtami, the *Brahma Muhurat* will last from 04:43 AM to 05:34 AM, while the *Abhijit Muhurat* is from 11:43 AM to 12:29 PM. The *Amrit-Sarvottam Muhurat* (an exceptionally auspicious period) in the morning is from 06:24 AM to 07:50 AM. Following that, the *Shubh-Uttam Muhurat* (an auspicious period) is from 09:15 AM to 10:40 AM.
On this day, you can fulfill your wishes by worshipping Goddess Mahagauri according to the prescribed rituals.

**Significance of Durga Ashtami**
According to mythological legends, when the tyranny of the demon Mahishasura was at its peak in the world, Goddess Durga manifested from the divine radiance of the gods on the *Ashtami* day. On this day, the Goddess assumed the form of Mother Chamunda and slew Mahishasura's demons—Chanda, Munda, and Raktabija.

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