Maha Ashtami 2026 Date: Is Maha Ashtami on October 18 or 19? Check Ashtami Tithi, Kanya Pujan Shubh Muhurat, Havan Timings and Puja Vidhi

Maha Ashtami 2026 Date: As the final days of Shardiya Navratri approach, devotees across India are preparing to worship Goddess Durga’s eighth form, Maa Mahagauri, and perform the traditional Kanya Pujan. However, the festival calendar has created uncertainty this year, with October 18 and October 19 both being considered for Maha Ashtami celebrations.

The confusion arises because the Ashtami tithi begins on Sunday, October 18, at 8:27 AM and ends on Monday, October 19, at 10:51 AM, according to the timings provided for this observance.

While some devotees follow the tithi-based timing and perform rituals on October 18, Drik Panchang and other calendar-based calculations identify October 19 as the principal date for Maha Ashtami. 

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Maha Ashtami 2026 Date: October 18 or October 19?

Maha Ashtami, also known as Durga Ashtami, marks the eighth day of Navratri and holds special significance for devotees of Goddess Durga. Worshippers offer prayers to Maa Mahagauri, observe fasts and perform Kanya Pujan and Havan as part of their religious traditions.

According to the tithi timings supplied for 2026, Ashtami begins at 8:27 AM on October 18 and continues until 10:51 AM on October 19. This overlap explains why devotees may follow different dates depending on their family traditions and the method used to determine the festival day.

Drik Panchang and other festival calendars list October 19 as Maha Ashtami, following the significance of the tithi prevailing at sunrise. However, some devotees who follow specific nighttime worship traditions may observe rituals on October 18. 

Devotees should check their local panchang before finalising the date and timing of their puja, as calculations and auspicious windows can vary by location and religious tradition.