Monday, 19 October 2026
Maha Ashtami 2026
In short
Maha Ashtami 2026 is on Monday, 19 October 2026: Shukla Paksha Ashtami of Ashwin, the tithi current at sunrise in New Delhi.
In Kathmandu it falls on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
- Date
- Monday, 19 October 2026
- Tithi
- Ashwin Shukla Paksha Ashtami
- Tithi begins
- 18 Oct, 08:29
- Tithi ends
- 19 Oct, 10:53
- Place
- New Delhi
How it is observed
Maha Ashtami is the eighth day of Navratri and Dashain, dedicated to the fierce forms of the goddess Durga. It is one of the principal days of the festival.
In India, many families perform kanya puja, feeding and honouring young girls as forms of the goddess, and Bengal marks Sandhi Puja at the junction of Ashtami and Navami. In Nepal, devotees crowd Durga and Kali temples, and animal sacrifices are offered at some temples and homes.
Related festivals
Frequently asked questions
When is Maha Ashtami in 2026?
Maha Ashtami 2026 is on Monday, 19 October 2026. In Kathmandu it falls on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
How is the date of Maha Ashtami decided?
By the lunisolar calendar: it falls on Shukla Paksha Ashtami of Ashwin, the tithi current at sunrise in New Delhi. The date is computed from the positions of the Sun and Moon, which is why it moves against the Gregorian calendar from year to year.
How is Maha Ashtami observed?
In India, many families perform kanya puja, feeding and honouring young girls as forms of the goddess, and Bengal marks Sandhi Puja at the junction of Ashtami and Navami. In Nepal, devotees crowd Durga and Kali temples, and animal sacrifices are offered at some temples and homes.