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All nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped during Maha Ashtami Puja.

Young unmarried girls, being treated as Goddess Durga itself, are also worshipped on Maha Ashtami. Worshipping of young girls during Durga Puja is known as Kumari Puja. In many regions Kumari Puja is done during all nine days of Durga Navratri. Kumari Puja on a single day during Durga Puja is preferred on Maha Ashtami.

Karwa Chauth coincides with Sankashti Chaturthi a fasting day observed for Lord Ganesha. The fasting of Karwa Chauth and its rituals are observed by married women for the long life of their husband. Married women worship Lord Shiva and His family including Lord Ganesha and break the fast only after sighting and making the offerings to the moon. The fasting of Karwa Chauth is strict and observed without taking any food or even a drop of water after sunrise till the sighting of the moon in the night.

Karwa Chauth day is also known as Karak Chaturthi (करक चतुर्थी). Karwa or Karak refers to the earthen pot through which water offering, known as Argha (अर्घ), is made to the moon. Karwa is very significant during Puja and it is also given as Dan to the Brahmin or any eligible woman.

Significance of Ahoi Ashtami

Rituals and Observances

• Fasting: Mothers observe a strict fast throughout the day, often abstaining from water, and break the fast only after sighting the stars or the moon.
• Puja: The puja involves worshipping Goddess Ahoi, where mothers pray for the health and longevity of their children. The rituals include drawing the face of a cub, which symbolizes the goddess, and offering prayers with utmost devotion.
• Cultural Importance: Ahoi Ashtami is particularly significant for childless couples and is believed to be auspicious for those seeking to conceive.

Dhantrayodashi which is also known as Dhanteras is the first day of five days long Diwali festivities. On the day of Dhantrayodashi, Goddess Lakshmi came out of the ocean during the churning of the Milky Sea. Hence, Goddess Lakshmi, along with Lord Kubera who is the God of wealth, is worshipped on the auspicious day of Trayodashi. However, Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya after two days of Dhantrayodashi is considered more significant.

Kali Chaudas, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is a significant Hindu festival. It typically falls the day before Diwali and is also referred to as Roop Chaudas, Choti Diwali, or Narak Nivaran Chaturdashi.

🌑 Meaning and Mythology

• “Kali” means dark or eternal, and “Chaudas” means fourteenth—referring to the lunar date.
• The day commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
• In some traditions, Goddess Kali is worshipped for her fierce power to destroy negativity and evil forces.

🔱 🪔 Rituals and Celebrations

• Early morning rituals include bathing, lighting lamps (diyas), and offering prayers.
• Oil, flowers, and sandalwood are used in puja ceremonies.
• Homes are decorated with rangoli, candles, and lights to ward off evil.
• Traditional foods like Khoya sweets, puffed rice, and festive dishes are shared with loved ones.

🧘‍♀️ Deities Worshipped

• Goddess Kali, Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Lakshmi are commonly worshipped.
• Lighting a lamp for Yama, the god of death, is believed to protect from suffering in the afterlife.