Asoka Ashtami 2026
26 Mar, 2026
Saturday
Asoka Ashtami 2026 on
(26-03-2026)
Ashoka Ashtami festival is celebrated on the Ashtami date of Chaitra Shukla Paksha. Ashoka tree and Lord Shiva are worshiped on this day. The festival of Ashok Ashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami date of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. Ashoka tree and Lord Shiva are worshipped. According to beliefs, the Ashoka tree originated from Lord Shiva. Therefore, by worshiping this tree one gets immense blessings of Lord Shiva. It is said that by observing this fast a person always remains free from sorrow.
Ashoka Ashtami(अशोक अष्टमी) is celebrated mostly in the eastern side of India. Special work Odisha, Bengal. It is believed that, Lord Rama worshiped and prayed to Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva at Lingaraj Temple in Ekamra Khsehtra(एकम्र क्षेत्र), Bhubaneswar, Odisha for seven days and received blessings on the Shukla Paksha eighth day (Ashtami). With the blessings of Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva, Lord Rama easily destroyed Ravana with Brahmastra, the weapon created by Lord Brahma. To celebrate the victory, Lord Ramchandra took out a procession of Shiva and Shakti on a chariot on the day of Ashtami, this chariot is called “Rukuna Rath(रुकुना रथ)”. From that day onwards the festival of Ashok Ashtami started being celebrated as a symbol of the victory of Lord Rama, or the victory of good over evil.
The word "Ashoka" means no tear and no sorrow. It is said that by observing this “Ashok Ashtami Fast”, the devotee never has to suffer any sorrow or grief in the life.
When is Ashoka Ashtami in 2026?
Ashoka Ashtami falls on 26 March, 2026, Thursday.
