April 9, 2025 
Masik Durgashtami is a monthly festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. It falls on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in every Hindu month. While the grand Navaratri celebrations occur twice a year, Masik Durgashtami provides devotees with a monthly opportunity to seek the blessings and divine grace of the powerful Goddess Durga.
For the year 2025, Masik Durgashtami will occur on the following dates. Please note that the precise timings of the Ashtami Tithi can vary slightly based on the location and the specific Panchangam (Hindu calendar) being followed :
January: Friday, January 17th
February: Saturday, February 15th
March: Sunday, March 16th
April: Monday, April 14th
May: Tuesday, May 13th
June: Wednesday, June 11th
July: Thursday, July 10th
August: Friday, August 8th
While the entire day of the Ashtami Tithi is considered auspicious for the worship of Goddess Durga, there isn’t one specific “muhurat” that is universally prescribed for Masik Durgashtami puja in the same way as some other major festivals. However, the Pradosh Kaal, which falls in the late afternoon or early evening (roughly an hour before and after sunset), is often considered an auspicious time for Shakti worship.
Devotees wake up early, take a bath, and clean their homes, especially the puja area. An idol or image of Goddess Durga is placed on a clean platform and adorned with flowers, especially red ones, garlands, and sometimes new clothing. Perform puja of Goddess Durga by lighting a diya (oil lamp) and incense. Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets. Some devotees also offer vermillion (sindoor) and other traditional puja items.
Masik Durgashtami is a significant monthly festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, a powerful Hindu deity who embodies strength, courage, and compassion. It is observed every month when the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) coincides with the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the lunar cycle. While the grandest Durga Puja festival is celebrated in the autumn months, Masik Durgashtami provides an opportunity for devotees to express their devotion and seek blessings from the Goddess throughout the year.
The essence of Masik Durgashtami lies in the worship of Goddess Durga in her various forms. She is often depicted as a fierce warrior, riding a lion or tiger, with multiple arms wielding weapons such as the sword, trident, and discus. These weapons symbolize her power to vanquish evil and protect her devotees. The festival is a time to remember Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, a significant event in Hindu mythology.
The rituals performed during Masik Durgashtami vary slightly from region to region, but the core essence remains the same. Devotees wake up early in the morning, clean their homes, and prepare for the puja. Temples dedicated to Goddess Durga witness a surge of devotees, who offer flowers, fruits, and perform elaborate abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the deity. Special prayers and hymns are chanted, and offerings are made to the Goddess.
The significance of the Ashtami Tithi is deeply intertwined with the mythology of Goddess Durga. It is believed that she was born on this auspicious day to vanquish the demon Mahishasura. This connection to the celestial events adds a divine dimension to the festival, emphasizing the power and grace of Goddess Durga. The rituals performed during the Ashtami Tithi are believed to be particularly potent, as they are aligned with the cosmic energies of the day.
The worship of Goddess Durga during Masik Durgashtami is not limited to temples and homes. Devotees also organize community gatherings and processions, where the idol of the Goddess is taken around the neighborhood. These processions are filled with music, dance, and cultural performances, creating a festive atmosphere. The chanting of mantras and the beating of drums create a powerful spiritual energy, inspiring devotion and reverence for the Goddess.
Masik Durgashtami provides a regular opportunity for devotees to reaffirm their faith and seek Goddess Durga’s blessings. It serves as a reminder of the importance of courage, strength, and compassion in overcoming challenges and leading a righteous life. The festival’s emphasis on the victory of good over evil inspires devotees to strive for a better world, free from fear and oppression. Through the monthly observance of Masik Durgashtami, the enduring legacy of Goddess Durga continues to inspire and empower generations of devotees.