New Delhi, April 15 -- Chaitra Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami that falls on the eighth day of the Navratri festival is of great significance for Maa Durga devotees. The last two days of the 9-day festival - Ashtami and Navami Tithi are celebrated will much fanfare across the country. Elaborate aartis, prayers, rituals and ceremonies are organised in households and temples to worship Goddess Durga as well as her incarnation Maa Mahagauri on the second-last day of Navratri. (Also read | Ram Navami 2024: Date, puja timings, rituals, history and celebrations)

One of the most popular traditions of Ashtami is the special ceremony of Kumari Pujan where nine young girls are worshipped as Navadurga and served a delicious prasad of chana, poori and...