Have you ever wondered why devotees in Ujjain and across India observe Masik Durgashtami every month with such unwavering devotion? This sacred observance is dedicated to Goddess Durga, the eternal embodiment of Shakti, courage, protection, and victory over evil forces.
Unlike festivals that come once a year, Masik Durgashtami gives devotees a monthly spiritual anchor—a chance to reconnect with the Divine Mother, cleanse negative energies, and renew inner strength. Whether you seek protection, success, emotional stability, or spiritual growth, this vrat holds immense significance.
This in-depth guide covers Masik Durgashtami 2026 dates for Ujjain, its meaning, rituals, fasting rules, and the special importance of Durga Ashtami during Navratri.
What Is Masik Durgashtami?
Masik Durgashtami is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami (eighth lunar day of the waxing moon) every Hindu month. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Durga through fasting, mantra chanting, and puja to invoke her protective and nurturing energy.
This monthly observance is different from the grand Durga Ashtami (Mahashtami) celebrated during Shardiya Navratri in the month of Ashwin. While Navratri Ashtami is a large collective celebration, Masik Durgashtami is a personal spiritual discipline practiced consistently throughout the year.
Masik Durgashtami Dates in 2026 (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)
Below are the accurate Panchang-based Masik Durgashtami dates for 2026, calculated according to Ujjain local time (IST):
| Month | Date & Day | Lunar Month | Occasion | Tithi Begins | Tithi Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26 Jan 2026 (Mon) | Magha | Shukla Ashtami | 11:10 PM (Jan 25) | 09:17 PM (Jan 26) |
| February | 24 Feb 2026 (Tue) | Phalguna | Shukla Ashtami | 07:01 AM (Feb 24) | 04:51 AM (Feb 25) |
| March | 26 Mar 2026 (Thu) | Chaitra | Shukla Ashtami | 01:50 PM (Mar 25) | 11:48 AM (Mar 26) |
| April | 24 Apr 2026 (Fri) | Vaishakha | Shukla Ashtami | 08:49 PM (Apr 23) | 07:21 PM (Apr 24) |
| May | 23 May 2026 (Sat) | Jyeshtha | Shukla Ashtami | 05:04 AM (May 23) | 04:27 AM (May 24) |
| June | 22 Jun 2026 (Mon) | Jyeshtha | Shukla Ashtami | 03:20 PM (Jun 21) | 03:39 PM (Jun 22) |
| July | 21 Jul 2026 (Tue) | Ashadha | Shukla Ashtami | 04:02 AM (Jul 21) | 05:16 AM (Jul 22) |
| August | 20 Aug 2026 (Thu) | Shravana | Shukla Ashtami | 07:19 PM (Aug 19) | 09:18 PM (Aug 20) |
| September | 19 Sep 2026 (Sat) | Bhadrapada | Shukla Ashtami | 01:00 PM (Sep 18) | 03:26 PM (Sep 19) |
| October | 19 Oct 2026 (Mon) | Ashwin | Durga Ashtami (Mahashtami) – Shardiya Navratri | 08:27 AM (Oct 18) | 10:51 AM (Oct 19) |
| November | 17 Nov 2026 (Tue) | Kartika | Shukla Ashtami | 04:19 AM (Nov 17) | 06:04 AM (Nov 18) |
| December | 17 Dec 2026 (Thu) | Margashirsha | Shukla Ashtami | 10:45 PM (Dec 16) | 11:25 PM (Dec 17) |
If you want, I can also make a print-friendly calendar style or add Ujjain-specific muhurat notes for each.
Note: Hindu Panchang days begin at sunrise. Always observe the vrat based on Ujjain sunrise timing.
Spiritual Significance of Masik Durgashtami
Goddess Durga symbolizes fearlessness, protection, and divine justice. Observing Masik Durgashtami regularly is believed to:
- Destroy negative energies and obstacles
- Strengthen mental courage and decision-making
- Protect devotees from unseen fears and enemies
- Improve harmony in family and relationships
- Support spiritual discipline and inner balance
Among all Ashtamis, Durga Ashtami during Shardiya Navratri is the most powerful, marked by Sandhi Puja and Kanya Puja.
Masik Durgashtami Puja Vidhi and Fasting Rules
Follow this traditional ritual for maximum spiritual benefit:
- Wake up early and take a clean bath
- Wear red or yellow clothes
- Set up a clean altar with Maa Durga’s image or idol
- Light a diya and incense sticks
- Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and kumkum
- Chant Durga mantras such as:
- Om Dum Durgaye Namah
- Durga Saptashati or Durga Chalisa
- Perform evening aarti
- Observe a fast (nirjala, fruit-based, or milk-based as per capacity)
- Break the fast after puja or next morning
Masik Durgashtami is a powerful monthly vrat that keeps the devotee spiritually aligned with Maa Durga’s Shakti throughout the year. By observing it regularly—starting with January 26, 2026—devotees can experience protection, clarity, courage, and inner peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is the Masik Durgashtami date in January 2026?
January 26, 2026 (Monday), according to Ujjain Panchang.
2.Why is October 19, 2026 important for Durga Ashtami?
It marks Mahashtami during Shardiya Navratri, the most powerful day of Durga worship.
3.Can partial fasting be observed on Masik Durgashtami?
Yes, fruit or milk fasting is acceptable if full fasting is not possible.
4.Is Masik Durgashtami as powerful as Navratri Ashtami?
Monthly Ashtami builds discipline; Navratri Ashtami carries amplified collective energy.
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