Ashtami is the auspicious eighth day of Durga Puja. It is also known as Maha Ashtami. Durga Ashtami is one of the most important days of the festival. Pandal hopping has been a tradition in Kolkata, one cannot stop it but one must be very careful as children are not vaccinated and Covid is still amongst us, is the message from the experts. Lots of people were seen without masks and zero social distancing at the pandals.