Masik Durgashtami 2025: Dates, Rituals and Significance

 

  • Masik Durgashtami is observed every month on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase).
  • In 2025, it will be observed on the following dates:

Month

Date

January

7 Jan (Tue)

February

5 Feb (Wed)

March

7 Mar (Fri)

April

5 Apr (Sat)

May

5 May (Mon)

June

3 Jun (Tue)

July

3 Jul (Thu)

August

1 Aug (Fri) & 31 Aug (Sun)

September

30 Sep (Tue)

October

30 Oct (Thu)

November

28 Nov (Fri)

December

28 Dec (Sun)

Significance

  • Masik Durgashtami is a monthly celebration of Goddess Durga, the embodiment of Shakti (divine feminine energy).
  • It is believed to:
    • Remove obstacles and negativity
    • Grant courage, protection, and prosperity
    • Cleanse past karmas and promote spiritual growth
  • Especially auspicious for women, as it enhances marital harmony and family well-being.

Legends

  • According to Puranic texts, Goddess Durga was created by the combined energies of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to destroy the demon Mahishasura.
  • On the eighth day of battle, she defeated him, making Ashtami Tithi sacred.
  • Another legend links Durgashtami to Lord Rama, who worshipped Durga before his battle with Ravana.

Rituals

Puja Vidhi

  • Wake up early, bathe, and clean the home altar
  • Place an idol or image of Goddess Durga on a red cloth
  • Offer:
    • Red flowers (especially hibiscus)
    • Kumkum, akshata, fruits, sweets, and Solah Shringar items
  • Light a ghee lamp and incense
  • Recite:
    • Durga Chalisa
    • Durga Saptashati
    • Mantras like “Om Dum Durgayei Namaha”

Fasting (Vrat)

  • Observed from sunrise to sunset
  • Devotees consume only fruits, milk, or satvik food
  • Some perform Kanya Puja, offering food and gifts to young girls

Regional Observance

Region

Observance Highlights

North India

Fasting, Durga Saptashati recitation, Kanya Puja

West Bengal

Worship of Kali form, especially in Kalighat and Dakshineswar temples

South India

Observed in Durga and Amman temples with abhishekam and homams

Maharashtra

Celebrated in Mahalakshmi temples with traditional offerings and bhajans

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