The auspicious festival of Shardiya Navratri is now drawing to a close. During this period, *Kanya Pujan* (worship of young girls) holds special significance. According to religious beliefs, there is a tradition of worshipping young girls as embodiments of the Goddess on the *Ashtami* (eighth day) and *Mahanavmi* (ninth day) of Navratri. This practice invokes the special grace of *Mata Rani* and grants devotees their heart's desires. Offering food and gifts—such as money—to these young girls is considered highly auspicious. However, there is some confusion regarding the dates for *Ashtami* and *Navami* in 2026. Let us find out when *Mahashtami* and *Mahanavmi* will be celebrated this year and the auspicious timings for *Kanya Pujan*.
When are *Ashtami* and *Navami*?
According to astrologers, the *Ashtami* *Tithi* (lunar day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of *Ashwin* will begin at 8:27 AM on October 18, 2026. This *Tithi* will conclude at 10:51 AM the following day, October 19. Based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the *Tithi* prevailing at sunrise), *Ashtami* will be observed on October 19, 2026. Therefore, those who wish to perform *Kanya Pujan* for *Ashtami* can do so on this day.
Meanwhile, the *Navami* *Tithi* of the *Shukla Paksha* in the month of *Ashwin* will commence at 10:51 AM on October 19, 2026, and end at 12:50 PM on October 20. Since the *Navami* *Tithi* begins at 10:51 AM on October 19, you can perform the *Navami* *Kanya Pujan* starting from 10:52 AM on that day. As this *Tithi* continues until 12:50 PM on October 20, you may also perform *Kanya Pujan* during this time. According to astrologers, those observing Kanya Pujan on Navami can perform the ritual on either October 19 or October 20.
October 19, 2026, Monday
Choghadiya Time
Amrit - Morning 06:28 - 07:53
Kaal - Morning 07:53 - 09:17
Shubh - Morning 09:17 - 10:42
Rog - Morning 10:42 - Afternoon 12:06
Udveg - Afternoon 12:06 - 01:30
Chal - Afternoon 01:30 - 02:55
Labh - Afternoon 02:55 - 04:19
Amrit - Evening 04:19 - 05:44
October 20, 2026, Tuesday
Rog - Morning 06:24 - 07:50
Udveg - Morning 07:50 - 09:15
Chal - Morning 09:15 - 10:40
Labh - Morning 10:40 - Afternoon 12:05
Amrit - Afternoon 12:05 - 01:31
Kaal - Afternoon 01:31 - 02:56
Shubh - Afternoon 02:56 - 04:21
Rog - Evening 04:21 - 05:46
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