When is Durga Ashtami in March 2026? Chaitra Navratri has commenced today. The eighth day of Navratri marks Durga Ashtami, also known as Mahashtami. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri—the eighth incarnation of Mother Durga. Every year, Durga Ashtami is celebrated on the *Ashtami Tithi* (eighth lunar day) of the *Shukla Paksha* (waxing phase of the moon) during the month of Chaitra. This year, does the Chaitra Shukla Ashtami Tithi fall on March 25th or March 26th? There is some confusion regarding this because the Ashtami Tithi spans across two days.

Durga Ashtami 2026 Date
According to the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), the Chaitra Shukla Ashtami Tithi will begin on Wednesday, March 25th, at 1:50 PM, and will conclude on Thursday, March 26th, at 11:48 AM.
While the Durga Ashtami Tithi technically begins on the afternoon of March 25th, the sunrise during this specific Tithi occurs on March 26th. Consequently, based on the *Udayatithi* (the lunar day prevailing at sunrise), Durga Ashtami falls on Thursday, March 26th.

Durga Ashtami 2026 *Muhurat* (Auspicious Timings)

On Durga Ashtami (March 26th), the auspicious window (*Muhurat*) for worshipping Goddess Mahagauri is between 6:18 AM and 7:50 AM. This period constitutes a highly auspicious and excellent time for worship. Following this, the time slot from 10:55 AM to 3:31 PM is also considered favorable; this includes the *Labh-Unnati* (Gain & Progress) and *Amrit-Sarvottam* (Nectar & Supreme) *Muhurats*.

On Ashtami, the *Brahma Muhurat* will last from 4:45 AM to 5:31 AM, while the day's most auspicious time—known as the *Abhijit Muhurat*—falls between 12:02 PM and 12:52 PM. Additionally, the *Vijaya Muhurat* is scheduled from 2:30 PM to 3:19 PM.

Durga Ashtami 2026: Falling Under 3 Auspicious *Yogas*
On the day of Chaitra Durga Ashtami, three auspicious *Yogas* (planetary alignments) are forming. The first of these is the *Shobhan Yoga*. The *Shobhan Yoga* will remain in effect from early morning until 12:32 AM (past midnight). You may undertake auspicious activities during this *Yoga*.

On that day, both *Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga* and *Ravi Yoga* are also forming. *Ravi Yoga* prevails from 4:19 PM on the day in question until 6:17 AM on March 27th. Similarly, *Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga* is also in effect from 4:19 PM on March 27th until 6:17 AM the following morning. Both of these *Yogas* are highly auspicious and fruitful.

On the day of *Durga Ashtami*, the *Ardra Nakshatra* prevails from early morning until 4:19 PM, after which the *Punarvasu Nakshatra* takes over.

Significance of Durga Ashtami
On *Durga Ashtami*, devotees worship Goddess Mahagauri; through her grace, an individual attains purity and peace. *Kanya Puja* (worship of young girls) is also performed on this day. With the blessings of the Goddess, one's endeavors meet with success, and one's wishes are fulfilled.

PC Social Media