Bhavani Jayanti, also known as Bhavani Ashtami, is an auspicious day dedicated to Goddess Bhavani. It is observed on Chaitra Shukla Astami, eighth day in bright half of Chaitra Month. In 2010, Bhavani Astami or Bhavani Jayanthi date is March 23, Tuesday. Bhavani Ashtami is also celebrated as Chaitra Navratri Durgashtami, and Ashokashtami in other parts of India.
Bhavani Ashtami is one of the major festivals in Tuljapur Bhavani Temple in Maharashtra, and some other mandirs dedicated to Goddess Durga Bhavani.
Ashokastami or Ashok Ashtami festival is observed on Chaitra Shukla Ashtami day on which Durgashtami is also observed during Basant Navratri. This festival is mainly celebrated in Orissa, Bengal, Tripura and some other parts of Eastern India. In 2010, Ashokashtami date is March 23. As the festival falls during Basant Navratri or Chaitra Navratri, it is also celebrated as Chaitra Durgashtami.
Ashokastami festival is celebrated with utmost gaiety and much pomp in Tripura and Orissa. In Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple and Puri Loknath Temple, the festival marks the grand celebrations. On this day, Lingaraj Rathyatra is held in Bhubaneswar. Lord Bhandar Loknath is taken in a procession to Isaneswar Mahadev to perform ritual ceremonies. In Tripura, at Unakoti Theertha near Kailashahar Ashokastami Jatra or a fair is organized.
Ashokashtami is one of the major festivals celebrated in Orissa during Chaitra month. Ashok ashtami is observed on Chaitra Shukla Ashtami, the eighth day in shukla paksha of Chaitra month. In 2010, Ashokashtami date is March 23, 2010. This festival is celebrated with utmost gaiety in Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple. On this day, Rathotsavam (procession on chariot) or car festival of Lord Shiva is celebrated which attracts tens of thousands of devotees across the state and from Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh as well.
The legend or the origin of the festival Ashokashtami is associated with Ramayana. When the Ramayana war between Ravana and Ram was going on in a great manner, Lord Ram came to know that Goddess Kali was at Ravana’s side and acting like a protective armor to Ravana. Lord Ram prayed to Goddess Kali and demolished Ravana and captured Lanka and brought his spouse Sita back. As part of celebrations, he has taken out Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali to a procession.
Ashokashtami is also known as Chaitra Durgashtami as it falls during Chaitra Navratri or Vasant Navratri.
Ashtami or Astami is the eighth day in each fortnight of every Hindu month. This day is considered as inauspicious as per some Hindu calendars. New ventures, businesses, programs, functions or any other auspicious deeds are avoided during Ashtami days. Here is the list of Ashtami dates in 2010:
Ashtami dates in January 2010:
- January 8, 2010
- January 23, 2010 – Bhishmashtami (Shani Ashtami)
Ashtami dates in February 2010:
- February 6, 2010 (Shani Ashtami)
- February 22, 2010
Astami March 2010 dates:
- March 8, 2010 – Sheetalashtami or Sheetala Ashtami
- March 23, 2010 – Durgashtami during Chaitra Navratri or Ashokashtami in Orissa
Astami dates in April 2010:
- April 7, 2010
- April 22, 2010
Ashtami May 2010 dates:
Astami June 2010 dates:
- June 5, 2010 (Shani Ashtami)
- June 19, 2010 (Shani Ashtami)
Ashtami July 2010 dates:
- July 4, 2010
- July 19, 2010
Ashtami August 2010 dates:
- August 3, 2010
- August 17, 2010
Astami September 2010 dates:
- September 1, 2010 – Krishnashtami 2010 or Janmashtami (Krishna Janmashtami for Smarta people)
- September 2, 2010 – Gokulashtami 2010 (Janmashtami for Vaishnava sect)
- September 15, 2010
Ashtami October 2010 dates:
- October 1, 2010
- October 15, 2010 – Durgashtami 2010
- October 30, 2010 – Ahoi Ashtami 2010 (Shani Ashtami)
Ashtami November 2010 dates:
- November 14, 2010 – Gopashtami 2010
- November 29, 2010 – Kala Bhairavashtami 2010 or Mahakal Bhairav Jayanti
Astami December 2010 dates:
- December 13, 2010
- December 28, 2010
Bhishmashtami, Chaitra Durgashtami or Ashokashtami, Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami or Janmashtami, Gopashtami, Sheetalashtami, Ahoi Ashtami, Jyeshtashtami, Kalabhairavashtami or Mahakal Bhairo Astami are some festivals celebrated on Ashtami days. Ashtami which falls on Shanivar or Saturdasy is also considered auspicious.