Fri Oct 11 05:06:25 UTC 2024: ## Durga Ashtami and Navami: Celebrating Goddess Durga’s Victory and Homecoming

**Kolkata, India** – Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami, the final two days of the Shardiya Navratri and Durga Puja festival, are being celebrated across India on Friday, October 11, 2024. These days mark the culmination of the nine-day festival, honouring Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura and her return to her maternal home, the mortal realm.

The festival is filled with rituals, prayers, and cultural vibrancy, signifying the triumph of good over evil. The auspicious timings for the day, according to Drik Panchang, are as follows:

* **Maha Durgaashtami (Ashtami Tithi):** This day is dedicated to worshipping all nine forms of Goddess Durga, with rituals like Mahasnan and Shodashopachar Puja. Young unmarried girls, known as Kumari Puja, are also worshipped. The Sandhi Puja, the holy juncture between Ashtami Tithi and Navami Tithi, is considered the most auspicious time. Symbolic Balidan (animal sacrifice) with vegetables like banana, cucumber, or pumpkin is performed.
* **Maha Navami (Navami Tithi):** This day celebrates Goddess Durga as Mahisasuramardini, the annihilator of the buffalo demon. It is believed that Durga killed Mahishasura on this day. Durga Balidan is performed on Uday Vyapini Navami Tithi, with Aparahna Kaal being the most appropriate time. Navami Homa is another significant ritual.

Each day of Navratri is associated with a colour, and purple is the chosen colour for this day, symbolizing luxury, grandeur, and nobility.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan High Court has allowed the release of the movie ‘Jigra’ on October 11, despite objections regarding its title. The court ruled that the title does not violate any trademark rights and any infringement can be resolved through monetary compensation. The movie, featuring Alia Bhatt, tells the story of a woman’s struggle to rescue her brother from jail.

As the celebrations reach their peak, people across India are immersed in the joy and fervour of Durga Puja, paying homage to the Divine Feminine and celebrating her strength and resilience.

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