Navratri 2024: Is Ashtami and Navratri on the same day this year

Often, two major days coincide in Hindu festivals owing to the lunar calendar. And this year, people are confused if they should celebrate Ashtami tithi and Navmi tithi of Navratri on the same day.
While some people are claiming that Ashtami kanya pujan should be done on Thursday, others say that both Ashtami and Navmi kanjak should be done on Friday, followed by Dussehra on October 12, Saturday.
So, who should you believe and when should you break your Navratri fast?

In 2024, Sharad Navratri began on October 3 and will end on October 12, 2024 with Dussehra celebrations. And as the days go on, some people break their fast on Ashtami tithi, the eighth day, whereas others do it with Kanya pujan on Navmi, the ninth and last day. But this year, both Ashtami and Navmi will be observed on October 11.
Why? Because there is an overlap of dates. According to Drik Panchang, “Durga ashtami Friday, October 11, 2024. Ashtami date starts - October 10, 2024 at 12:31 PM
Ashtami date ends - October 11, 2024 at 12:06 PM”
And for Navmi, Drik Panchang mentions “Maha Navami Friday, October 11, 2024. Navami Tithi starts - October 11, 2024 at 12:06 PM
Navami date ends -October 12, 2024 at 10:58 AM”
Many experts say that as both Ashtami and Navmi start after 12 PM, and a major chunk of Ashtami and Navmi time falls on October 11, the two will be celebrated together.

There will not be any major changes in the rituals or observances, but as Ashtami and Namvi is on the same day, the temples will see more crowds and so will the Durga pandals.
Ashtami puja and Navmi puja will be celebrated on the same day and the Kanya pujan will also be done together. Plus, people will end their Navratri fasts on the same day as well.
In Kanya pujan, young girls are invited to homes, given new clothes, money, food, flowers, gifts, and more. They are worshipped as a form of Devi, the pure and pious one.

As both Ashtami and Navmi will be celebrated on the same days, the power and energy of Maa Durga will be immense and transformative. In fact, it is considered very auspicious when Ashtami and Navami are observed together, and the combined spiritual power of these two days is believed to enhance the blessings one receives from Maa Durga.
It is also believed that people who believe in Maa Durga, are faithful towards her, and believe in her power and grace, will be rewarded during these days and will accumulate good karma. The blessings will be powerful, and the air will be filled with Maa Durga’s love and protection.