In the Sharadiya Navratri tradition, there is a custom of observing Kunja Puja on Ashtami day. On this day, fasting is observed in homes, worship (havan) is performed, and Kunja Puja is conducted. Due to this, there is currently a significant misunderstanding among people regarding the date of Mahashtami, as some state October 18th, while others state October 19th.
However, Pandit Pravin Mishra, after studying the Panchang, was able to establish the correct date for Mahashtami. Below is information on when Kunja Puja will be held in honor of Mahashtami.
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ashtami date this year will last from 8:27 AM on October 18th until 10:51 AM on October 19th. Based on the ascending date (Udaya Tithi), Kunja Puja Mahashtami will take place on October 19th, Monday. Sacred scriptures indicate that the form of Goddess Durga, Mahagauri, is worshipped on this day.
According to astrologers, three auspicious times (Abhijit Muhurta) were designated for performing Kunja Puja on Ashtami day on October 19th:
- First time (Brahma Muhurta): from 04:52 to 05:40 AM
- Second time (Amrita Kal): from 07:28 to 09:16 AM
- Third time (Abhijit Muhurta): from 11:49 AM to 12:34 PM
The day before Mahashtami, it is customary to visit homes to invite guests. Usually, girls aged between 2 and 10 years are invited for worship. On Ashtami day itself, one must wake up early, take a bath, then sanctify the house by sprinkling Gangajal in it. Upon arriving at the house, the girls should be welcomed, their feet washed in a tray, and then wiped with a clean cloth. After this, they are seated.
There is also a tradition of placing a boy next to the girls as a symbol of Battuk Bhairava. Then, a tilak made of roli or kumkum is applied to the forehead of the girls, flowers are offered to them, and prayers are offered for well-being and prosperity, remembering Goddess Durga. After this, the girls are given sattvic food such as puri, halwa, chhena, and other dishes. After eating, they may be given sweets or fruits. Finally, depending on the means, they are presented with dan-dakshina, fruits, gifts, or chunri, showing respect and affection towards them. At the end, they touch the feet to receive blessings, after which shouts in honor of Mata Rani are uttered, and the blessings of these divine girls are accepted.