Today, Sunday 18 October, or 1 Kartik, Hamro Patro lists Maha Ashtami Vrata and Kalratri. Worship of Mahagauri is associated with Ashtami in the Navadurga tradition.

Maha Ashtami holds a special place in Durga worship. Families observe the day through their established shrine rituals, and some traditions include worship at night. Practices and offerings differ between communities.

Respecting those differences is part of an accurate cultural account. This year’s calendar carries Ashtami across two civil dates, so tomorrow should not automatically be labelled Maha Navami. Hamro Patro lists Maha Navami on 20 October.

Editorial note: This is a cultural explainer for today’s observance. The accompanying image is an AI-generated illustration, rather than a photograph of a reported ceremony.

Sources
https://www.hamropatro.com/date/2083-7-1
https://www.drikpanchang.com/nepali/dashain/dashain-calendar.html?geoname-id=1283240&year=2026