When is Ashtami in March 2026: Chaitra Navratri is currently being observed, and many devotees are still confused about the exact dates of Durga Ashtami and Ram Navami in March 2026. According to Drik Panchang for New Delhi, both tithi details and puja timings make the picture clearer.
When is Ashtami in March 2026?
Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami will be observed on Thursday, March 26, 2026. According to the published panchang, Ashtami tithi begins on March 25 and continues into March 26, which is why Ashtami puja is being observed on March 26.
Ashtami is one of the most important days of Chaitra Navratri and is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga. Many devotees also perform Kanya Pujan on this day.
Auspicious timings for Kanya Pujan
First Muhurat: 6:18 AM to 7:50 AM
Second Muhurat: 10:55 AM to 3:31 PM
Ram Navami 2026 exact date
Ram Navami will also be observed on Thursday, March 26, 2026, according to the standard panchang listing for New Delhi. The Navami tithi begins at 11:48 am on March 26 and ends at 10:06 am on March 27.
Drik Panchang lists the Ram Navami Madhyahna Muhurat from 11:13 am to 1:41 pm, with the Madhyahna moment at 12:27 pm. This midday period is considered especially important because Lord Ram is believed to have been born during Madhyahna.
Why there is confusion over Ram Navami date
The confusion exists because Ashtami and Navami are overlapping closely this year. Some traditions, especially Vaishnava calculations, also mention Vaishnava Ram Navami on Friday, March 27, 2026. But the widely followed general panchang date for Ram Navami in New Delhi remains March 26, 2026.
Kanya Pujan and Navami significance
Both Ashtami and Navami are considered auspicious for Kanya Pujan during Chaitra Navratri. Devotees worship young girls as manifestations of the goddess and offer prasad, food and gifts.
Ram Navami, meanwhile, marks the birth of Lord Ram, one of the most significant festivals for Hindu devotees, especially those observing the nine-day Navratri fast.
So, for 2026, devotees should mark March 26 for both Durga Ashtami and Ram Navami, while keeping in mind that some sects may observe Ram Navami on March 27 based on separate tradition-specific calculations.
