Ashtami Kab Hai 2026: Durga Ashtami / Maha Ashtami Date
Durga Ashtami 2026, also called Maha Ashtami, falls on Monday, 19 October 2026, during Sharadiya Navratri. The Ashtami Tithi begins at 8:27 AM on 18 October 2026 and ends at 10:51 AM on 19 October 2026. The auspicious Sandhi Puja muhurat falls on 19 October 2026 from approximately 10:27 AM to 11:15 AM. Banks in West Bengal, Jharkhand, and several other states observe closures during the Durga Puja and Navratri cluster in October.
When Is Ashtami? Complete Navratri 2026 Calendar
Date | Day | Navratri Day | Goddess Worshipped
11 October 2026 | Sunday | Sharad Navratri Begins (Pratipada) | Shailputri
12 October 2026 | Monday | Dwitiya | Brahmacharini
13 October 2026 | Tuesday | Tritiya | Chandraghanta
14 October 2026 | Wednesday | Chaturthi | Kushmanda
15 October 2026 | Thursday | Panchami | Skandamata
16 October 2026 | Friday | Shashthi / Durga Puja begins | Katyayani
17 October 2026 | Saturday | Saptami | Kalaratri
18 October 2026 | Sunday | Ashtami Tithi begins (8:27 AM) | Mahagauri
19 October 2026 | Monday | Maha Ashtami / Durga Ashtami | Mahagauri (main day)
19 October 2026 | Monday | Maha Navami (overlaps, Navami Tithi after 10:51 AM) | Siddhidatri
20 October 2026 | Tuesday | Vijaya Dashami / Dussehra | —
What Is Durga Ashtami (Maha Ashtami)?
Durga Ashtami is the eighth day of Navratri and is considered the most powerful and sacred day of the nine-night festival. Goddess Durga in her form of Mahagauri is worshipped, representing purity, peace, and the fulfilment of wishes. The legendary Sandhi Puja, performed at the exact juncture of Ashtami and Navami Tithi (10:27 AM to 11:15 AM on 19 October 2026), is the most auspicious ritual of the entire Durga Puja. This is also the day of Kanya Puja (Kumari Puja), where young girls are worshipped as living forms of Goddess Durga and offered prasad of halwa, puri, and chana. In 2026, Maha Ashtami falling on a Monday holds special significance as Monday is Lord Shiva's day, the husband of Goddess Mahagauri.
Is Durga Ashtami a Bank Holiday in 2026?
Date | Day | Holiday | Bank Closure Status
18 October 2026 | Sunday | Ashtami Tithi begins | Weekly off (no separate closure)
19 October 2026 | Monday | Maha Ashtami (Durga Ashtami) | Bank holiday in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Assam; check state notifications for other states
In West Bengal and Jharkhand, the Durga Puja holiday cluster (Maha Saptami through Vijaya Dashami) results in consecutive bank closures, making it the most significant multi-day banking pause in those states.
Navratri and Durga Puja festivities, pandal visits, and family gatherings can involve significant planning and spending. CreditMitra's short-term personal loans can be applied for entirely online, so festive expenses are always within reach.
What Works and What Doesn't on Maha Ashtami Bank Holiday
Service | Available on Maha Ashtami?
UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, BHIM) | Yes, 24/7
IMPS transfers | Yes, 24/7
NEFT transfers | Yes, 24/7
ATM withdrawals | Yes, 24/7
Mobile and internet banking | Yes
RTGS transfers | No, resumes next working day
Branch services | No, branch closed (in states observing the holiday)
NACH EMI auto-debit | Processed on next working day if due date falls on Ashtami
Planning Navratri or Durga Puja travel, new clothes, or celebrations? CreditMitra's short-term personal loans offer a fully online application and quick disbursal — apply before the festive holiday cluster begins.
Borrow. Protect. Grow.
All in one app.
- Compare loan offers
- Buy insurance in minutes
- Invest in mutual funds
- Check credit score free
- Track all your applications
Explore More Holidays
Akshaya Tritiya 2026: Bank Holiday Status & Financial Planning Guide
Check Akshaya Tritiya 2026 date, holiday details, auspicious timings, bank closures and celebrations in India.
Andhra Pradesh Holiday 2026: Is Tomorrow Holiday in AP?
Check Andhra Pradesh holidays 2026, including bank and government holidays. Find out about school holidays and important dates across AP.
14 April 2026 Holiday: Is It a Bank Holiday?
Know whether 14 April 2026 is a bank or public holiday, the festivals observed on the day and state-wise holiday details.
Personal Loans, Insurance, Credit Cards & More
Explore financial products including personal loans, mutual funds, insurance plans, credit cards, and free credit score services.
Instant Personal Loan
Understand ashtami kab hai 2026: durga ashtami / maha ashtami date meaning in loans and health insurance with simple examples and repayment explanations.
Insurance
Explore insurance plans that help protect you and your family from unexpected financial risks.
Mutual Funds
Start investing in mutual funds to build long term wealth and work towards your financial goals.
Credit Score
Check and monitor your credit score to improve loan eligibility and maintain healthy credit habits.
Credit Card
Understand ashtami kab hai 2026: durga ashtami / maha ashtami date meaning in credit cards and banking with simple examples and repayment explanations.
Latest Blogs
Check Union Bank Balance in 30 Seconds: Complete 2026 Guide to Every Method
Looking for the latest Union Bank balance check number? Learn how to check your Union Bank of India account balance using missed call banking, SMS banking, mobile banking, and mini statement services in simple steps.
KYC Full Form: The 5-Minute Guide to Know Your Customer
KYC stands for Know Your Customer, a mandatory verification process used by banks and financial institutions to confirm customer identity. Learn the KYC full form, required documents, verification steps, and its importance in banking and finance.
Personal Loan for Salaried Employees: Eligibility, Interest Rates & Documents (2026 Guide)
A personal loan for salaried employees offers quick access to funds without collateral for emergencies, travel, weddings, education, or debt consolidation. This guide explains eligibility criteria, required documents, interest rates, EMI options, and how salaried professionals can improve their chances of loan approval in India.
