Significance
Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, is considered the most powerful day of the nine-night festival. Goddess Durga in her form as Mahagauri (the radiant white goddess) and Kalaratri (the dark night of destruction) is worshipped with maximum intensity. The famous Sandhi Puja is performed at the exact junction of Saptami and Ashtami tithis -- a 48-minute window considered the most auspicious moment of all Navratri. The Kanya Puja (worship of young girls as living embodiments of the Goddess) reaches its peak today.
Preparation
Rituals & Vidhi
Sandhi Puja
Perform the Sandhi Puja exactly at the transition point between Saptami and Ashtami tithis. Light 108 lamps and offer them to the Goddess simultaneously.
Mantra: Om Jayanti Mangala Kali Bhadrakali Kapalini. Durga Kshama Shiva Dhatri Swaha Svadha Namostu Te.
Kanya Puja
Invite nine young girls aged 2-10, representing the nine Devis. Wash their feet, apply alta (red color) to them, apply tilak, and offer them the full Ashtami feast.
Ashtami Bhog
Prepare the traditional Ashtami bhog: halwa (semolina pudding), puri, and black chana. Offer to the Goddess first, then serve to the Kanyas and family.
Gifts and Dakshina
Give the Kanyas new clothes, bangles, or money as dakshina after the feast. Touch their feet before they leave.
Fasting
Those fasting for Navratri break their fast after the Kanya Puja on Ashtami or continue until Navami. The fast is traditionally broken with the Ashtami halwa-puri prasad.
Family Guidance
Include daughters of neighbors and relatives as Kanyas. Let children serve the meal to the Kanya girls to teach them the value of humble service (Seva) to the divine in human form.