Maha Ashtami

What Maha Ashtami is

Maha Ashtami is Ashwin Shukla Ashtami, the eighth day of Dashain. Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form in which she destroys evil. The night that follows is Kalratri. Offerings are made at Durga temples and in homes; many families offer a kubhindo (ash gourd) or a coconut.

How families keep it

Families worship Durga Bhawani at home and at the temple, and those keeping the nine-day Chandi path continue it.

The days of Dashain

• Ghatasthapana

  Friday, October 1, 2027 · Ashwin 14, 2084

  The first day of Dashain: the kalash is set up and the jamara is sown.

• Fulpati

  Wednesday, October 6, 2027 · Ashwin 19, 2084

  The seventh day of Dashain, when the fulpati is brought into the house.

• Maha Ashtami

  Thursday, October 7, 2027 · Ashwin 20, 2084

  The eighth day of Dashain, given to Goddess Durga in her fiercest form.

• Maha Navami

  Saturday, October 9, 2027 · Ashwin 22, 2084

  The ninth day of Dashain and the last of Navaratri.

• Vijaya Dashami

  Sunday, October 10, 2027 · Ashwin 23, 2084

  The tenth and greatest day of Dashain, when elders give tika, jamara and their blessing.

• Kojagrat Purnima

  Thursday, October 14, 2027 · Ashwin 27, 2084

  The full moon that closes Dashain, a night of wakefulness for Goddess Laxmi.

Maha Ashtami in the coming years

• 2026Sunday, October 18, 2026Kartik 1, 2083
• 2027Thursday, October 7, 2027Ashwin 20, 2084
• 2028Tuesday, September 26, 2028Ashwin 10, 2085
• 2029Monday, October 15, 2029Ashwin 29, 2086
• 2030Friday, October 4, 2030Ashwin 17, 2087
• 2031Thursday, October 23, 2031Kartik 6, 2088

Each date is the day Nepal keeps the festival. Nepal publishes its patro one year at a time, so a date further ahead can move by a day when that year's patro comes out. For a ceremony, Pandit Ji confirms the day and the muhurta.