Durgashtami February 2021 Dates
During the festivity, devotees observe fast; they visit the temple of the Goddess and worship her. The festivity happens once every month and this way 12 times a year. Devotees worship her by offering flowers, Bel Patra, fruits, and incense sticks circling around the idol. Durga is also worshipped in Tantrik's way, where she is offered wine.
In Satvik way, devotees observe the fast for the day, and they break it the next morning after performing all necessary rituals and praying to the Goddess.
This year Durgashtami dates.
Magha, Shukla Ashtami, 20 February 2021, Saturday
Begins – 19 February 2021 10:58 am (IST)
Ends – 20 February 2021 1:31 pm (IST)
The Planetary Combination Forming on the Day
Durgashtami this month is going to happen on Saturday. The lord Saturn will reside in its own sign Capricorn. Jupiter, Mercury, and Venus are also placed with the same sign. Saturn is residing in the Sravana Nakshatra, which denotes our hearing capability; Jupiter and Mercury, too, are placed in the same star as Saturn. Venus will reside in Dhanista star.
The placement of these planets in such stars indicates that if we listen to elderly advice, the day can bless us with wealth, fortune, name, and fame since Sravana Nakshatra denotes our ears. Overall the placement means that before making any decision if we listen to some wise person, we will surely succeed.
Further, worshipping Durga on the day doubles the fruit of our efforts and ensures us triumph in our motives. The Goddess provides us with courage, a clear mind, and dedication that we would solve all our problems leading ourselves to a prosperous, fortunate, and wealthy life.
Another auspicious planetary position is forming on the day as Moon is residing in its own Rohini star. The star denotes victory and rise, which gets even stronger with worshipping goddess Durga on the day. However, as Moon is also with Rahu, we might develop some mental disturbance or depression-like situation. Worshipping Durga would bless us with the power to fight our inner demons and get liberated from all mental obstructions.
Jupiter, which is the magnificent planet of knowledge and wisdom, is aspecting Rahu and Moon. By praying Goddess Durga, the effects of this giant planet get even positive that no negativity or stress can stop us from achieving our life goals. Praying to the Shakti gives us bravery and courage that keeps all negative thinking at bay and all gets us rid of all evil intentions.
Mantras of Goddess Durga and Shani to be chanted at least 108 times
Om Sri Durgaaya Namaha
Meaning – I bow to Goddess Durga (the divine consort of Shiva)
Om Kaatyayanaaya Vidhmahey Kanyaakumaari deemahi, tanno Durgihi prachodayaat
Meaning – I meditate on Kaatyaayani (Durga) and the Goddess at Kanyakumari (Durga), who is the ruler of the physical, mental and spiritual realms. May Her light illumine us.
Om Sri Shaneeshwaraaya Namaha
Meaning – I bow to Shani (Planet Saturn)
Dos
- People should observe fast, but only if the health permits! Consume fruits and milk if you can't stay hungry all day.
- Worship the Goddess with colored flowers like rose, hibiscus; offer them in front of the idol.
- Wearing navy blue clothes on the day brings you more blessings of Durga and Saturn since the day falls on Saturday.
- Chant Durga mantras and Durga Chalisa to purify your mind and soul and connect to the divine.
- Serve poor people and those who are in need. Feed stray animals and crows.
Don'ts
- One should not get angry or use harsh words on anyone.
- Do not disrespect your elders or anyone for that matter.
- Do not get involved in any fights where you hurt someone physically or mentally.
- You shouldn't cultivate negative thoughts or think poor of anyone.
- Do not indulge in any sexual behavior.
- Do not consume non-vegetarian food or consume alcohol.
Worship Durga this Durgashtami, and let the Shakti bless you with her power. Remove your sins and become successful, brave, and wealthy in life. Here is the Today's panchangam with Good & Bad Timings from astropedia