Wed Oct 09 15:58:32 UTC 2024: **Summary of the Article on Ashtami Durga Puja 2024:**

1. **Celebration Overview**: The festival of Navratri is being celebrated with grandeur, dedicating nine days to worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

2. **Kanya Puja**: Special significance is given to Kanya Puja on the Ashtami and Navami days, where young girls are worshipped as representations of the Goddess. Worshipping them is believed to bring blessings of happiness and prosperity from Goddess Durga.

3. **Dates for 2024**:
– Navratri starts on October 3, 2024, and ends on October 12, 2024.
– Ashtami (the day for Kanya Puja) will be observed on October 11, 2024, with an auspicious time for the rituals after 06:52 AM.
– Navami will begin on October 11 and conclude on October 12, 2024, at 05:12 AM.

4. **Ritual Timing**:
– Ashtami Tithi begins on October 10 at 12:23 PM and ends on October 11 at 06:52 AM.
– The most favorable time for Kanya Puja is between 09:00 AM and 10:00 AM on October 11.

5. **Post-Puja Etiquette**: After performing the Kanya Puja, it is customary to feed the girls sweets and fruits, and present them with gifts and a red chunari to ensure the Goddess’s blessings.

6. **Benefits of Kanya Puja**: Regular worship of young girls during Navratri is believed to dispel all forms of adversity and please Goddess Durga.

This article serves as a guide for the rituals and key timings for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations in 2024.

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