Durga Ashtami is one of the significant Hindu festivals celebrated all over India. This day commemorates Durga's victory over the buffalo demon,
Mahishasura. The festival is held on the eighth day of the bright half of the month of Maha (February-March).
On this day, the devotees recite mantras and offer flowers to Devi Durga (Mahishasuramardini) and pray for her blessings.
Animal sacrifices were once performed but now animals are substituted with 'chalkumro' (type of pumpkin), cucumber and banana.
