The festival of ritualistic worship of deity Durga (Durgapuja) is celebrated with great fervor in the Indian states of Bangal, Bihar, Orissa, Asam, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on the eighth day (ashtami) of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Ashvin. This day is also known as Mahashtami, since on this day various religious rites of the female deity (devi) are performed.

Celebration

    During the transition between the eighth (ashtami) and the ninth (navami) days, the female deity starts manifesting Its energy. Hence, a special ritualistic worship called sandhipuja of Chamunda, one of the forms of Durga, is performed.

    On Mahashtami day, after the ablutions at dawn, one should perform ritualistic worship of deity Bhagvati with Her garments, weapons, the insignia of royalty such as a silver or gold canopy resembling an umbrella over Her head, a chowrie (brush like fan), etc. If at that time the position of the planets (yoga) happens to be in the Bhadravati constellation, then ritualistic worship should be performed in the evening, and an animal sacrifice (bali) should be offered at midnight.