Experts Discuss What To Offer In Khoichha On Maha Ashtami During Chaitra Navratri 2024

An important Hindu holiday called Chaitra Navratri began on April 9 and will continue for nine days of observance and festivity. According to Purnia’s Pandit Dayanath Mishra, Maha Ashtami is the most important of these nine days.

Pandit Mishra said that Tuesday, April 16, is Maha Ashtami, a very lucky day for believers. It is traditional for those who observe this fast to worship the Goddess Durga fervently and refrain from drinking any water.

Married ladies participate in a custom known as Khoichha on Maha Ashtami, whereby they fill pots with different symbolic objects to grant their desires. It is important to remember that Khoichha is a continuing ritual that promotes benefits from the Goddess, not something that is done only before or after a desire is fulfilled.

Pandit Mishra warns against the myth that rice should be the sole material used in the Khoichha and emphasizes the need to fill it appropriately. He suggests adding a variety of things, including beverages, vermilion, durva grass, sweets, betel nuts, and turmeric. Before being offered to the goddess in the pot, these objects are meticulously wrapped in crimson fabric, signifying purity and devotion.

On Tuesday, Dwitiya Ardha Pahar, is the designated auspicious time for filling the Khoichha on Maha Ashtami. Devotees may fill it between 9:00 am and 1:30 pm. The time is seen to be favorable for the fulfillment of the goddess’ blessings and desires. Sandhi Puja’s “mahurat” starts at 12:59 PM and concludes at 1:47 PM.

Furthermore, Pandit Mishra brings forth an important issue about who is eligible to execute the Khoichha rite. He makes it clear that a virgin female should not partake in this tradition.

Maha Ashtami is an important day of Chaitra Navratri, when devotees maintain fasts and carry out rites like Khoichha in order to ask the sacred Mother Goddess for blessings and the fulfillment of their deepest aspirations.