Powai Sharadotsav 2024

As per mythology, Maha Ashtami is believed to be the day when Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura, also known as the 'Buffalo devil'. In the olden days, a buffalo was sacrificed to mark the occasion. Hymns are chanted in Sanskrit and people offer their prayers. The prayers are known as 'Anjali'. Girls that are less than 9 years old are depicted as Goddess Durga and are worshipped. This ritual is known as 'Kumari puja'. After this, the 'Sandhi puja' is performed.

On Maha Ashtami, the Chamunda incarnation of Goddess Durga is worshipped. It is believed that the Goddess appeared on this day and annihilated Mahishasura’s demon associates Chanda, Munda, and Raktabija.

The day begins with ‘mahasnan‘. After that, nine small pots are set up and the nine shaktis of Durga are invoked in them. Little girls are dressed up as the Goddess herself and worshipped as part of the ‘Kumari Puja‘. This is the day for “Sandhi Pujo’ too. The Drik Panchang says that the window of the last 24 minutes of Ashtami tithi and the first 24 minutes of Navami tithi is known as the ‘sandhi‘ time. This time slot is considered to be auspicious.