Durga Ashtami · Durga Ashtami, Maha Ashtami

Culture of origin: Hindu · Cultural

Holiday sources: Hinduism

Durga Ashtami, or Maha Ashtami, is one of the most auspicious days of Navaratri and of the five-day Durga Puja in eastern India. In some regions it is believed that on this day the goddess Chamunda came forth from Durga's forehead and destroyed the demons Chanda, Munda and Raktabija. Many fast, Durga's weapons are worshipped (Astra Puja), and in the Kanya Puja young girls are welcomed into homes and honoured as embodiments of the Goddess.