Ashtami

The 8th tithi is associated with Durga's fierce aspect — specifically Kalaratri (destroyer of dark forces), who is the 7th form worshipped on Navami's eve (Maha Ashtami evening). Ashtami is also the day of Krishna's birth in Bhadrapada (Janmashtami) — making this tithi sacred to both Durga and Krishna. In the 16 lunar phases, the 8th (Ashtami) represents half-darkness — the Moon at half-phase in both Krishna and Shukla Paksha.

1. 1During Navratri Ashtami: perform Kanya Puja — invite 9 young girls, wash their feet, offer halwa-puri-chana
2. 2Worship the Kalaratri or Mahagauri form of Durga
3. 3Offer red flowers and kumkum to Durga
4. 4On Janmashtami: follow the midnight puja protocol from data/festivals.js