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10 Things to do on 8th day of Navratri, 18 October 2026 (26 March 2026 in Chaitra Navratri).. What are the 10 Things to do on 8th day of Navratri, 26 March | 18 October 2026…The eighth day of Navratri, also known as Ashtami, is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri, the epitome of purity, serenity, and wisdom. This day holds special significance, as it is one of the most auspicious days in the Navratri festival.
Here are 10 things to do on the eighth day of Navratri:
1. Worship Goddess Mahagauri
Set up a clean and serene altar with an idol or image of Goddess Mahagauri, who is depicted as a serene figure, often riding a white bull.
Offer white flowers, especially jasmine, as they represent purity. You can also offer sweets made from coconut and milk, such as kheer or coconut ladoos.
Recite the Durga Saptashati or the Mahagauri mantra: “Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah” to seek her blessings for prosperity and purification.
2. Wear Pink or Purple
Pink and purple are the colors associated with the eighth day of Navratri. Pink symbolizes hope and new beginnings, while purple represents power and spirituality.
Wearing these colors during puja and throughout the day enhances your connection with the goddess’s energy.
3. Perform Kanya Puja (Kanjak Puja)
One of the most important traditions on Ashtami is Kanya Puja, where nine young girls, symbolizing the nine forms of Goddess Durga, are invited and worshiped.
Wash their feet, offer them food (often puri, halwa, and chana), and present them with gifts or clothes. This ritual is performed to honor the divine feminine energy in all its forms.
4. Offer Coconut and Prasad
Coconut is considered highly auspicious on Ashtami. Offer a whole coconut during your puja as a symbol of fulfillment and prosperity.
Prepare sattvik (pure) prasad like halwa-puri-chana and distribute it among family members, neighbors, and the needy.
5. Perform Aarti
Perform a special aarti to Goddess Mahagauri during both the morning and evening rituals. Use white flowers, a ghee lamp, and incense sticks.
Sing devotional songs and hymns in her praise, invoking her blessings of purity, peace, and prosperity.
6. Chant Mantras and Meditate
Chant the mantra “Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah” or “Om Shreem Hreem Mahagauryai Namah” while meditating on her serene form.
Focus on eliminating negativity and purifying your mind, body, and soul during your meditation.
7. Fast or Consume Sattvik Food
On Ashtami, many devotees observe a day-long fast, consuming only fruits, milk, or sattvik food like sabudana khichdi, kuttu (buckwheat) flour items, and singhara (water chestnut) flour dishes.
If not fasting, maintain a vegetarian sattvik diet, avoiding tamasic food like onions, garlic, and heavy spices.
8. Visit Temples
Visit a temple where special Ashtami puja is performed. Many temples organize havan (fire rituals) and group prayers dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri.
If visiting a temple is not possible, you can join virtual pujas or follow along with recorded rituals.
9. Light Diyas for Purity
Light clay lamps (diyas) filled with ghee or mustard oil to symbolize the victory of light over darkness and purity over ignorance.
Place the diyas around your home and altar, creating a spiritual and peaceful atmosphere.
10. Engage in Acts of Charity
Giving to those in need is especially auspicious on Ashtami. Donate food, clothing, or money to the poor or charitable organizations.
Feeding animals, especially cows, is also considered to bring blessings from Goddess Mahagauri.
By following these practices on the eighth day of Navratri, you can invoke the blessings of Goddess Mahagauri, bringing peace, purity, and prosperity into your life while fostering spiritual growth.