Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Durvashtami 2026 Honors Durva Grass Through Fasting and Ganesha Worship
Durvashtami is a Hindu festival honoring Durva grass and Lord Ganesha.
In 2026, it will be observed on September 19.
The festival takes place on the eighth day of the bright lunar half of Bhadrapada.
Durva is also called Doob grass.
Many people believe that divine nectar once fell on this grass during the Samudra Manthan.
Women in some regions fast and pray for their children’s health and their family’s happiness.
People clean their worship area and offer fresh Durva to Ganesha.
They may offer 3, 5, 7, or 21 blades and chant a Ganesha prayer.
Durvashtami, also called Durva Ashtami, will be observed on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The Hindu festival falls on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada.
Devotees worship sacred Durva, or Doob grass, and offer it to Lord Ganesha.
Women, especially in eastern India and West Bengal, traditionally observe a fast for their children’s health and family prosperity.
Fresh Durva is commonly offered in bundles of 3, 5, 7, or 21 blades while chanting Ganesha mantras.
- Who
- Hindu devotees, particularly women in eastern India and West Bengal, worship Durva grass and Lord Ganesha.
- What
- Durvashtami, also known as Durva Ashtami, is a festival involving fasting, prayers, and offerings of Durva grass.
- When
- Saturday, September 19, 2026; it is observed on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada.
- Where
- It is observed in Hindu communities, with particular devotion in eastern India and West Bengal.
- Why
- Devotees seek health, longevity, prosperity, peace, and happiness for their children and families while honoring the sacred Durva grass.
- Festival name
- Durvashtami, also known as Durva Ashtami
- 2026 date
- Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Lunar timing
- The eighth day of Shukla Paksha in Bhadrapada
- Sacred offering
- Durva grass, commonly known as Doob grass
- Traditional bundles
- Odd-numbered bundles such as 3, 5, or 7 blades; 21 blades are especially associated with Ganesha
- Regional observance
- Particularly observed in eastern India and West Bengal as Durvashtami Brata
- Common mantra
- “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”