Answer

In Jain Dharma, practices like Navratri Ashtami havan and haldi-kumkum are not core Jain religious practices.

A Jain should be careful that any ritual they participate in does not involve:

• Hinsa — violence or harm to living beings
• Animal sacrifice or offerings connected with violence
• Belief in creator gods as supreme refuge, which differs from Jain philosophy
• Attachment, superstition, or desire-based worship

Explanation

Jain Dharma is centered on:

• Ahimsa — non-violence
• Aparigraha — non-attachment
• Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra
• Worship of Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyays, and Sadhus

So, from a Jain point of view:

• Havan is generally not a Jain ritual. Fire rituals can involve subtle forms of harm to living beings, so many Jains avoid them.
• Haldi-kumkum is a cultural practice in many Indian communities, but it is not a Jain spiritual requirement.
• If done only as a social/cultural gesture without wrong belief, violence, or superstition, some families may view it as a cultural custom. But it should not replace Jain worship or Jain principles.

Spiritual Understanding

For a Jain, the safest spiritual approach is to celebrate any occasion through:

• Navkar Mantra
• Samayik
• Pratikraman
• Jinendra Bhagwan darshan
• Swadhyay
• Charity with compassion
• Practicing forgiveness, restraint, and ahimsa

Takeaway

If you are asking strictly as a Jain practice, Navratri Ashtami havan is not a Jain ritual and is better avoided. Haldi-kumkum may be treated as a cultural custom, but it should be done carefully without violence, superstition, or conflict with Jain faith.