Masik Durgashtami 2026

Masik Durgashtami is one of the most sacred monthly observances dedicated to Goddess Durga, the divine mother who symbolizes strength, protection, purity, and victory over evil. Observed every month on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami tithi, this vrat is believed to remove obstacles, grant protection from negative energies, bless devotees with courage, and ensure the wellbeing of the family. In 2026, Masik Durgashtami will be observed 12 times, including one Adhika Masik Durgashtami occurring during the extra lunar month (Adhika Maas). This comprehensive guide covers Masik Durgashtami 2026 dates, its spiritual significance, puja vidhi, vrat katha, fasting rules, benefits, mantras, and frequently asked questions.

Masik Durgashtami refers to the monthly observance of the ashtami tithi dedicated to Goddess Durga. While the annual Maha Durgashtami during Navratri is widely celebrated, the monthly version holds equal spiritual power for sincere devotees. This vrat is observed with faith by those seeking: Strength to overcome challenges

Protection from negative forces

Good health and prosperity

Peace in the family

Fulfillment of desires

Courage, confidence, and clarity

Every Ashtami of the Shukla Paksha is considered highly auspicious for worshipping the divine feminine energy, known as Shakti.

Here are the complete monthly dates for Masik Durgashtami in 2026, along with the tithi timings: January 26, 2026 (Monday) Magha, Shukla Ashtami

Begins: 11:10 PM, Jan 25

Ends: 09:17 PM, Jan 26

February 24, 2026 (Tuesday) Phalguna, Shukla Ashtami

Begins: 07:01 AM, Feb 24

Ends: 04:51 AM, Feb 25

March 26, 2026 (Thursday) Chaitra, Shukla Ashtami

Begins: 01:50 PM, Mar 25

Ends: 11:48 AM, Mar 26

April 24, 2026 (Friday) Vaishakha, Shukla Ashtami

Begins: 08:49 PM, Apr 23

Ends: 07:21 PM, Apr 24

Adhika Masik Durgashtami – May 23, 2026 (Saturday) Jyeshtha, Shukla Ashtami – Adhika Maas

Begins: 05:04 AM, May 23

Ends: 04:27 AM, May 24

June 22, 2026 (Monday) Jyeshtha, Shukla Ashtami

Begins: 03:20 PM, Jun 21

Ends: 03:39 PM, Jun 22

July 21, 2026 (Tuesday) Ashadha, Shukla Ashtami

Begins: 04:02 AM, Jul 21

Ends: 05:16 AM, Jul 22

August 20, 2026 (Thursday) Shravana, Shukla Ashtami

Begins: 07:19 PM, Aug 19

Ends: 09:18 PM, Aug 20

September 19, 2026 (Saturday) Bhadrapada, Shukla Ashtami

Begins: 01:00 PM, Sep 18

Ends: 03:26 PM, Sep 19

October 19, 2026 (Monday) Ashwina, Shukla Ashtami (Durga Ashtami)

Begins: 08:27 AM, Oct 18

Ends: 10:51 AM, Oct 19

November 17, 2026 (Tuesday) Kartika, Shukla Ashtami

Begins: 04:19 AM, Nov 17

Ends: 06:04 AM, Nov 18

December 17, 2026 (Thursday) Margashirsha, Shukla Ashtami

Begins: 10:45 PM, Dec 16

Ends: 11:25 PM, Dec 17

Devotees should consult their local Panchang for regional variations.

Masik Durgashtami holds deep spiritual value as it honors Maa Durga, the destroyer of evil forces and the embodiment of divine feminine energy.

1. Removes Obstacles and Negativity This vrat protects devotees from unseen negative energies, black magic, fears, and harmful influences.
2. Strength, Courage & Confidence Maa Durga empowers her devotees with physical, emotional, and spiritual strength to face life’s challenges.
3. Protection of Family & Children The divine mother blesses families with safety, harmony, and peace.
4. Health & Healing Prayers to Maa Durga are believed to cure long-standing health issues and promote mental wellbeing.
5. Prosperity & Stability The vrat helps reduce financial troubles and bring stability in career or business.
6. Fulfillment of Desires Sincere fasting on Durgashtami grants heartfelt wishes and success.
7. Spiritual Growth It purifies the mind, reduces ego, and leads devotees towards inner peace and devotion.

Anyone can keep this vrat, but it is especially beneficial for: Women seeking protection for their family

People suffering from anxiety, fear, or mental stress

Those facing financial or professional problems

Students seeking strength and clarity

Individuals experiencing obstacles or negative influences

Couples wishing for harmony in marriage

Devotees wanting spiritual upliftment

Follow these simple steps: Step 1: Morning Preparations Wake up early, preferably during Brahma Muhurta.

Take a bath and clean your home.

Set up a clean puja area with red cloth if possible.

Wear clean clothes (red or yellow preferred).

Step 2: Sankalp (Take a Vow) Sit in front of the deity and take a vow to observe the vrat with sincerity. Pray for: Courage

Protection

Removal of obstacles

Health and prosperity

Step 3: Set Up the Puja Thali Prepare the following items: Idol or picture of Maa Durga

Akshata (rice mixed with turmeric)

Flowers (especially red flowers)

Dhoop and diya

Sindoor, kumkum, haldi, chandan

Fruits, milk, sweets (especially kheer)

Coconut

Red cloth or chunari

Step 4: Durga Puja Ritual Light the diya and incense.

Offer flowers, kumkum, and sindoor to the Goddess.

Recite Durga Chalisa, Durga Ashtottara, or simple Durga mantras.

Offer fruits, sweets, and water.

Read or listen to the Masik Durgashtami Katha.

Step 5: Fasting Different types of vrat: Nirjala fast: Without food or water (only for experienced devotees).

Phalahar: Fruits and milk.

Milk-only fast

Satvik meal once a day

Choose depending on your health. Step 6: Evening Puja & Aarti Repeat the offering of flowers and diya.

Perform Durga Aarti with devotion.

Meditate on Maa Durga’s form and power.

Step 7: Parana – Breaking the Fast Break the fast after Ashtami tithi ends. Traditional methods: Consume satvik food

Distribute prasad

Offer food to Brahmins or poor people

Feed cows or birds

Do’s Keep your mind pure and calm

Focus on devotion

Chant Durga mantras

Help someone in need

Maintain cleanliness

Don’ts Avoid anger, lies, and negative behavior

Do not consume onion, garlic, eggs, or non-veg

Avoid alcohol and tobacco

Do not hurt anyone physically or emotionally

Fruits

Milk, curd, ghee

Coconut water

Nuts and dry fruits

Sabudana, kuttu, singhara flour

Rock salt (sendha namak)

Not Allowed Foods Onion and garlic

Non-vegetarian food

Wheat or rice (for strict fasting)

Junk or processed foods

Alcohol, smoking

Once there was a righteous king who ruled with fairness but constantly faced troubles—wars, diseases in the kingdom, and suffering among his people. Despite his efforts, peace did not return. One day, a saint visited and told him that the kingdom was under the influence of negative forces and misfortune. The saint advised the king to worship Maa Durga every month on the Shukla Ashtami and observe a fast. The king and his queen began the vrat with devotion. Over time: Enemies stopped attacking

Diseases disappeared

Crops flourished

Peace returned

Their family prospered

The kingdom became stronger and happier

The king realized that Maa Durga’s blessings remove all obstacles and restore balance and prosperity. Moral: When devotees surrender with purity and devotion, Maa Durga protects them from all negativity and grants success.

1. Protection from Negative Energies The vrat acts as a divine shield against harmful forces.
2. Strength & Courage Maa Durga blesses devotees with confidence and inner strength.
3. Good Health Helps overcome chronic illnesses and mental stress.
4. Peace in Family Removes misunderstandings and brings harmony at home.
5. Financial Stability Blesses the devotee with prosperity and growth.
6. Fulfillment of Wishes Sincere prayers on Durgashtami bring desired results.
7. Karmic Cleansing Helps in purifying past karmas and leading a righteous life.

Durga Mantra “Om Dum Durgaye Namah” Durga Gayatri Mantra “Om Katyayanaya Vidmahe Kanyakumari Dheemahi Tanno Durgi Prachodayat” Shakti Mantra “Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti Rupena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah” Chanting these 108 times brings immense blessings.

After completing the vrat: Eat light satvik food

Donate food or clothes

Feed animals like cows or dogs

Pray for global peace and wellbeing

These acts of charity enhance the spiritual results

Masik Durgashtami is a powerful monthly vrat that removes obstacles, protects from negative energies, and strengthens the devotee spiritually and emotionally. Observing this vrat throughout the year 2026 will bless individuals and families with peace, prosperity, health, and divine protection. Whether you observe it for strength, protection, or wish-fulfillment, Maa Durga’s blessings will guide and uplift you.