Ashtami

Ashtami refers to the eighth day (Tithi) of a lunar fortnight (Paksha) in the Hindu calendar. In Hinduism, each lunar month is divided into two fortnights: the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon or bright fortnight) and the Krishna Paksha (waning moon or dark fortnight). Ashtami occurs twice every lunar month, once during each Paksha.

The significance of Ashtami varies depending on the deity or festival associated with it. Some prominent observances linked to Ashtami include:

• Durga Ashtami/Mahashtami: Celebrated during Durga Puja, marking a significant day for the worship of Goddess Durga. It typically involves special rituals, prayers, and offerings.

• Radha Ashtami: Observed as the birth anniversary of Radha, the consort of Lord Krishna. Temples dedicated to Radha are elaborately decorated, and special prayers and bhajans are performed.

• Krishna Janmashtami (Occasional Ashtami Connection): While Krishna Janmashtami primarily celebrates Krishna's birth on Ashtami Tithi, the exact observance varies as it aligns with the astrological positioning of the moon. It's sometimes conflated with just being on any Ashtami.

The observance of Ashtami often involves fasting, prayer, and devotion to the deity associated with the particular Ashtami. The specific rituals and practices can differ regionally and according to individual family traditions. The timing of Ashtami is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar and can vary slightly from year to year.