Chaitra Navratri 2024, which started on April 9, will soon end. Devotees celebrate Ashtami and Navami on the eighth and ninth day of Navratri festival. Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu lunisolar calendar. Although Ashtami is celebrated across the country, special celebrations are held in states such as Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Bihar. His ninth day Navami of this festival is also called Rama His Navami as it commemorates the birth of Lord Rama. Apart from this, her nine days of Navratri are dedicated to worshiping her nine forms of Goddess Shakti. Read on to know the date, time, significance and bhog recipes of Ashtami 2024.
When is Ashtami 2024? Ashtami dates and Puja timings
This year, Chaitra Durgashtami falls on April 16, 2024.
Start of Ashtami Tithi – April 15, 2024 12:11pm
Ashtami Tithi Ends – April 16, 2024 1:23 PM
(Source: drikpanchang.com)
Also read: Chaitra Navratri 2024: This healthy Navratri meal plan includes 15 Vrat-friendly recipes to try
Puri, halwa and chane are served as prasad during Ashtami.
Photo credit: iStock
Importance of Chaitra Durgashtami 2024
On the eighth and ninth days of Chaitra Navratri, Hindus across the country worship the young incarnation of Goddess Durga. In Ashtami, the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning is take a bath. After that, the puja room is cleaned and decorated. Diyas, incense sticks, flowers, fruits and sweets are used to worship Goddess Durga. After completing the puja, perform Kanya Pujan as per the rituals. On this day, also known as Kanjak, young girls are invited to their homes and worshiped. They are provided with special bhog (halwa, pudi, chane, fruits, dry fruits and small gifts) related to the puja.
According to Drikpanchan, nine small pots are installed and worshiped in the name of Goddess Durga on Durga Ashtami. Sandipuja (the sacred time frame of the last His 24 minutes of Ashtamititi and the first His 24 minutes of Navamititi) is also observed during the period of Maha His Ashtami.
Here are 5 of Ashtami’s special bhog recipes.
1. Halwa
Halwa, a classic Dessert, is one of the important foods served after Ashtami puja. Sooji (semolina) is roasted in ghee and mixed with sugar and sometimes milk. It is topped with chopped dried fruits such as almonds and pistachios. See the complete recipe here.
2. Pulley
Crunchy and very tasty, poori is one of the tastiest breads in India. This is why it is a must-have item in Ashtami Bhog. Knead the flour to form a dough, roll it into a ball, flatten it, and fry it until golden brown. See the complete recipe here.
3. Chain
Easy to make and loaded with spices, kale chains add a flavorful balance of sweet and savory to Ashtami Bhog Thali. It is combined with poori and halwa and served as prasad during Navratri. See the complete recipe here.
4. Rosogura
No meal is complete without delicious rosogala. Juicy, spongy fried balls soaked in sugar syrup. The best part about this dessert is that it’s easy to make in your kitchen. See the complete recipe here.
5. Keer
Creamy and delicious, kheer is a beloved dessert across the country. The best part is that you can make it healthier with lots of ingredients. Don’t forget to top with chopped dried fruits and nuts. Click here for the complete recipe.
Also read: Chaitra Navratri 2024: How to make Vrat-friendly Kuttu Paratha
Happy Durga Ashtami 2024!
