- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 09 Oct 2024 04:19 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Maha Ashtami 2024: On Maha Ashtami, women ritually offer "Khoicha" to Goddess Durga, believing it brings prosperity and happiness to their homes. This tradition originates from the customs of Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, where daughters receive Khoiicha from their mothers or sisters-in-law during their wedding farewell ceremony. Khoiicha consists of items like rice, turmeric, coins, and flowers, symbolising good fortune and maternal blessings. By replicating this ritual for Goddess Durga, devotees seek her benevolence and protection. This poignant tradition strengthens the bond between the divine feminine and her devotees, embodying the spirit of nurturing and grace that defines the Navratri celebrations, ultimately invoking divine blessings for a prosperous and harmonious life.
This year, the ritual of offering Khoicha to Maa Durga will be performed on 11th October 2024. Check out the significance and vidhi of performing this ritual during Ashtami tithi of Shardiya Navratri.
Maha Ashtami 2024: Significance Of This Ritual During Durga Ashtami
On Maha Ashtami, women devoutly prepare and offer Khoicha to Goddess Durga, following traditional rituals and customs. This sacred practice is believed to usher in prosperity, happiness, and harmony within their homes. According to tradition, filling Goddess Durga's Khoiicha brings auspiciousness and well-being to the household.
Women reverently offer "Khoicha" to Goddess Durga on Maha Ashtami, seeking prosperity and happiness in their homes and lives. (Image Source: Canva)
To prepare Khoicha, women gather specific items, including flattened rice, five betel nuts, five betel leaves, cosmetics, turmeric knots, durva grass, money, sweets, batasha (a type of sweet), and clothing. These items are reverently placed in Goddess Durga's Khoiicha, accompanied by heartfelt prayers and tearful devotion. Devotees seek the Goddess's blessings for the welfare of the world, invoking her divine grace and protection. This poignant ritual embodies the spirit of reverence, gratitude, and selfless love that defines the Navratri celebrations, fostering a deep connection between the divine and her devotees.
Maha Ashtami 2024: Timings For Offering Khoicha And Performing Kanya Pujan
The Ashtami period begins on October 10 at 7:38 AM and concludes on October 11 at 7:01 AM, immediately followed by Navami. Consequently, women will observe Khoicha on October 11, accompanied by Kanya Pujan. In the Sanatan tradition, Khoicha symbolizes auspiciousness and prosperity, typically offered during farewells, signifying good fortune and happiness.
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(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert in the relevant field.)