When is Ashtami 2024? Plus 5 delicious bhog recipes that you can prepare for the festival

Navratri is one of the biggest and most important festivals in India and is celebrated with full energy across the country. It is held four times a year, but the two most popular are Chaitra Navratri (around March-April) and Sharad Navratri (around September-October). This year Sharad Navratri starts on October 3, also known as Sharadiya Navratri. These are nine days of worship, fasting and celebration dedicated to the goddess Durga, but the eighth day, Ashtami, is special. It is also called Maha Ashtami and is the most important day of Durga Puja, especially in Bengali culture. On this day, Sandhi Puja is performed, a special ritual performed during the last few minutes of Ashtami Tithi and the first minutes of Navami Tithi. This year, Maha Ashtami falls on October 11, 2024.

Read also: Wondering what to cook for Sharad Navratri? Here are 9 recipes you must try

Ashtami 2024: Puja Date and Timings:

Durga Ashtami: Friday, October 11, 2024

Ashtami Tithi Starts: 12:31 PST, October 10, 2024.

Ashtami Tithi ends: 12:06 PST, October 11, 2024

(Source: Drikpanchang.com)

Ashtami 2024: What makes it so special?

During Navratri, each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, and Ashtami focuses on honoring her young avatar. Kanjak or Kanya Pujan is celebrated on this day, where young girls between the ages of 2 and 10 are invited home, worshiped and offered special bhog. The classic Ashtami bhog includes puri, chana and halwa. It is a sweet gesture with fruits, dry fruits and small gifts given to the girls and some people even perform this ritual on the ninth day, Navami. Want to prepare a traditional bhog for this year’s Ashtami? We have some simple recipes for you!

Ashtami 2024: 5 Kanjak Bhog Recipes

1. Sookhe Kale Chane

This dish is a must on Ashtami. Just soak the black chickpeas overnight, pressure cook them and mix them with spices like amchoor, coriander powder, red chilli, salt and cumin. A simple, aromatic dish that everyone loves. Click here to see the full recipe!

2. Halwa

Sooji halwa is the base of every bhog. It is prepared by roasting semolina in ghee, mixing it with sugar syrup and sprinkling it with dried fruits such as almonds and pistachios. It’s pure comfort in a bowl! Click here to see the full recipe!

3. Poori

You can’t make Ashtami bhoga without crispy Pooris! These golden-brown treats are made with whole wheat flour, and some even add a little semolina for extra crunch. Click here to see the full recipe

4. Keer

This creamy rice pudding is an absolute festival favorite. Kheer is made with rice, milk, sugar and cardamom and finished with a generous sprinkling of dry fruits. It’s the perfect sweet snack to end your Ashtami feast! Click here to see the full recipe!

5. Dahi Bhalla

Soft and fluffy Dahi Bhallas made with urad and moong dal are a refreshing addition to your Navratri menu. Soak them in yogurt and top with your favorite chutney to cool down. Click here to see the full recipe!