Maha Ashtami of Navratri; Mahagauri puja, Kanya Puja and Sandhi Puja

Durga Ashtami, or Maha Ashtami, is the eighth day of Sharad Navratri and one of the most sacred days of the festival. It is dedicated to Mahagauri, the eighth Navadurga — radiant and white as a conch, the moon and jasmine, riding a white bull — the form Parvati attained after her long austerity for Shiva, when the Ganga washed away the darkness of her penance. In North India, Ashtami is the day of Kanya Puja: nine young girls, embodiments of the nine Durgas, are invited home, their feet washed, and they are fed halwa, puri and black chana and given gifts; many families complete their Navratri fast with this rite. In Bengal it is Maha Ashtami, when devotees offer pushpanjali in the morning, Kumari Puja is performed — most famously at Belur Math — and the sixty-four Yoginis and the eight Nayikas are worshipped. At the junction of Ashtami and Navami comes Sandhi Puja, when Chamunda slew the demons Chanda and Munda. Weapons are worshipped in many regions, and the day is held especially powerful for the Durga Saptashati and for seeking protection.

Many keep a strict fast on Ashtami and break it after Kanya Puja; others continue to Navami.