Mumbai : Masik Durga Ashtami, observed every month on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase), is a highly sacred occasion in Hindu tradition. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, it is a powerful day for spiritual worship, fasting, and making charitable donations.
This month, the Ashadha Masik Durga Ashtami will begin at 11:58 AM on Wednesday, July 2, and end at 2:06 PM on Thursday, July 3, 2025, according to Drik Panchang. As per sunrise-based tradition (Udaya Tithi), the fast will be observed on Thursday, July 3, and fast-breaking (paran) will take place on Friday, July 4.
On this day, devotees seek the blessings of Maa Durga for protection, prosperity, and peace. Fasting and making sacred donations are considered especially beneficial.
Key items to donate on this day include:
Red clothes or chunri:
Offering a red sari, dupatta, or chunri pleases the Goddess. It is believed to bring luck, energy, and prosperity. These can be donated to a temple, a married woman, or a young girl.
Shringar items:
Donating cosmetics like sindoor, bangles, mehendi, and bindis honours the divine feminine form of Durga. It is believed to bring marital harmony and eternal good fortune. It also invites the presence of Goddess Lakshmi.
Ghee (clarified butter):
Cow ghee represents purity and abundance. Donating ghee, especially in temples or to those in need, helps reduce astrological doshas and enhances financial and spiritual stability.
Barley (jau):
Offering barley to a Brahmin or deity ensures abundance in food and finances. It also strengthens the power of Jupiter (Guru) in one’s horoscope.
Sweet offerings (kheer or halwa):
Preparing sweets like kheer or halwa and distributing them among girls or the poor is a popular tradition. It brings happiness, blessings, and the removal of sorrows.
Grains (especially rice or wheat):
Donating grains is seen as one of the highest acts of charity. It ensures that one’s home is always full of food, wealth, and contentment.
Guidelines for donating on Durga Ashtami:
Give with a pure and humble heart.
Bathe and maintain cleanliness before any donation.
Avoid showing off your charity; silent giving is said to bring greater rewards.
Remain peaceful, positive, and respectful throughout the day.
As devotees prepare for the Ashadha Masik Durga Ashtami, this sacred time reminds everyone of the power of faith, humility, and generosity in invoking the grace of the Divine Mother.
