Subho Maha Ashtami 2023 Greetings, HD Images & Wishes: Send WhatsApp Messages, Durga Ashtami Wallpapers and Photos to Your Loved Ones During Durga Puja & Navratri

Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is one of the most significant days during the Durga Puja festival in West Bengal, India. It falls on the eighth day of the Navratri festival and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. Let's delve into the essence of Durga Ashtami, how Bengalis celebrate it, and the heartfelt wishes exchanged during this auspicious day.

Durga Ashtami holds immense significance as it marks the moment when Goddess Durga is believed to have defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It is a day of immense devotion and celebration as devotees offer their prayers to the goddess with utmost reverence.

Devotees wake up early and prepare for the Anjali, a special prayer offering. They visit the puja pandals, often adorned with exquisite decorations, and offer their prayers to Goddess Durga. One of the most crucial rituals of Durga Ashtami is Pushpanjali. Devotees carry fresh flowers, usually marigolds, and offer them to the goddess while reciting sacred mantras. This offering is made during the auspicious moments of Ashtami.

In some households and pandals, young girls are worshipped as incarnations of the goddess in a ritual known as Kumari Puja. These girls are meticulously dressed as goddesses and are offered prayers and special offerings. Sacrifices and special rituals are performed, often involving the chanting of hymns and the lighting of lamps and incense. These rituals are meant to seek the goddess's blessings for protection and well-being.

Bengalis, especially women and young girls, dress in traditional attire, which typically includes sarees and accessories in bright and vibrant colours. Men also don traditional clothing. Cultural performances like dance, music, and drama are a prominent part of the celebration.

Elaborate and artistic presentations take place in puja pandals. On Durga Ashtami, people exchange warm wishes and blessings. "Shubho Maha Ashtami!" (Wishing you a joyful Durga Ashtami!) is one of the most common ways to wish your loved ones. Ashtami Tithi is said to have special significance during Navratri because, on this day, the eighth form of Goddess Maa Mahagauri is worshiped. On this occasion, you can also wish Maha Ashtami to your loved ones through these Ashtami messages, quotes, WhatsApp wishes, and Facebook greetings: