Huge rush of devotees offer prayers at puja mandaps across Odisha on Maha Ashtami

Bhubaneswar(30/09/2025): Devotees in large numbers thronged puja mandaps across Odisha for Maha Ashtami Puja. The Hindu mother goddess Maa Durga has eight Navadurga aspects, the eighth of which is Mahagauri. On the eighth day of Navaratri, she is worshipped. Hinduism holds that Mahagauri has the ability to grant all of her devotees' wishes. She is a symbol of peace and strength.

On Ashtami Tithi, that is today, we celebrate Kumari Puja, Kanya Puja, and the fabled Sandhi Puja. According to Drik Panchang, the final 24 minutes of Ashtami Tithi and the first 24 minutes of Navami Tithi are referred to be Sandhi Time or the sacred moment of Durga Puja. During Sandhi Kaal, it is customary to light 108 earthen lamps.

Married women gathered at several Puja mandaps for performing Mahastami Puja.

In Bhubaneswar, large crowd was seen at Sahid Nagar, Bomikhal, Nayapalli, Old Station Bazaar, Jharpada, Laxmisagar, Unit 4, Badagada, Rasulgarh, Baramunda, Damana and Palasuni puja pandals which were decorated with different styles and themes.