Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Date, Rituals, and the Sacred Story Behind this Auspicious Festival
Ahoi Ashtami is a special Hindu festival primarily celebrated by mothers who fast and pray for the well-being and longevity of their children. It takes place about 8 days before Diwali, during Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) on Ashtami, the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Kartik month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, Ahoi Ashtami will be observed on Thursday, 24 October 2024.
In Hindu tradition, mothers observe a fast, known as “Ahoi Ashtami Vrat,” on this day, seeking blessings from Goddess Ahoi Mata for their children’s health, prosperity, and happiness. The festival is particularly popular in North India, especially among women with young children.
Ahoi Ashtami Vrat 2024 Significance
Ahoi Ashtami holds immense significance for mothers, as it symbolizes the strong bond between a mother and her children. This vrat (fast) is observed with deep devotion and sincerity by women who wish for the well-being and long life of their children.
During the day of Ahoi Ashtami, mothers refrain from eating or drinking anything (a practice called Nirjala fast), and in the evening, they perform a special puja (worship). The fast is traditionally broken after sighting the stars or the moon, which adds a celestial connection to the ritual.
Ahoi Ashtami Vrat is not only an expression of love but also an opportunity for mothers to connect spiritually and to invoke divine protection over their children. It is believed that Goddess Ahoi Mata grants blessings to those who observe the vrat with a pure heart, ensuring their children’s prosperity and longevity.
Ahoi Ashtami Calendar
Ahoi Ashtami is a significant festival celebrated by mothers who fast for the long life and well-being of their children. In 2024, Ahoi Ashtami will be observed on Thursday, 24 October. Mothers observe this fast on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month.
Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Date and Timing
This year, the Ashtami Tithi begins on 24 October at 1:18 AM and ends on 25 October at 1:58 AM. According to the tradition of observing the fast based on the Udaya Tithi (the date at sunrise), Ahoi Ashtami will be celebrated on 24 October.
Mothers break their fast by offering water (Arghya) to the stars in the evening and then perform the puja. After worshipping, they offer food to the deity and lovingly feed their children. Typically, mothers observe a Nirjala fast, where they refrain from eating and drinking throughout the day until the puja is complete. There is also a custom of taking a holy bath at Radha Kund in Govardhan on this day.
Ahoi Ashtami Vrat: Rituals and Traditions (Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Vidhi)
The Ahoi Ashtami vrat vidhi (rituals) is followed with immense dedication, and every step is performed methodically to ensure the proper worship of Ahoi Mata.
- Fasting:
Mothers observing the vrat generally start the day by taking a bath early in the morning and then making a vow (sankalp) to complete the fast for the well-being of their children. Many women observe a “nirjala vrat,” which means they abstain from both food and water until they perform the puja in the evening. - Drawing of Ahoi Mata:
In many households, an image of Goddess Ahoi is either drawn on the wall or created on paper. The image typically depicts the goddess holding a small child in her arms, symbolizing the protection she offers to children. - Setting up the Puja Thali (Plate):
A proper puja thali is prepared with items such as rice, roli (vermilion), milk, water, and some special sweets like puris or halwa. A kalash (holy vessel) filled with water and covered with mango leaves is also placed for the puja. - Ahoi Mata Puja:
The puja is performed in the evening, after sighting the stars or the moon. Women light a diya (lamp) and worship the image of Ahoi Mata, offering prayers for their children’s health and prosperity. During the puja, a thread (called a “kaajal”) is also tied around the wrist of the mother as a symbol of the blessings of Ahoi Mata. - Offering of Food:
After the puja, mothers offer food to Ahoi Mata, which usually includes grains, sweets, and fruits. It is customary to feed the family and, if possible, offer food to a Brahmin or a needy person. - Breaking the Fast:
Once the puja is complete, mothers break their fast after seeing the stars or moon. The fast is typically broken with some light food and water, symbolizing the end of the day’s sacrifice.
The Story Behind Ahoi Ashtami (Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha)
Ahoi Ashtami vrat is associated with a popular mythological story (katha) that illustrates the power of Ahoi Mata’s blessings. According to the legend, there was once a devoted woman who had seven sons. One day, as she was digging soil in the forest to gather clay for her home, her spade accidentally killed a young cub of a lion. The woman was devastated by the incident but didn’t realize the consequences until later.
As a result of her unintentional mistake, all her seven sons passed away one by one over the next few years. Grief-stricken and filled with guilt, she sought the help of a wise sage. The sage advised her to observe a fast and worship Goddess Ahoi to repent for her mistake and seek forgiveness.
Following the sage’s advice, the woman started observing the Ahoi Ashtami vrat every year, praying for her sons’ well-being. Miraculously, her sons were brought back to life through the grace of Ahoi Mata, and the woman continued to observe the vrat as a mark of gratitude.
Ahoi Ashtami ki Kahani: The Sacred Story Passed Through Generations
The story of Ahoi Ashtami is passed down through generations, and it is often narrated during the puja. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of devotion and the protective powers of Ahoi Mata. In many families, elders tell the Ahoi Ashtami ki kahani to their younger members to instill faith and tradition.
It is believed that the story of Ahoi Ashtami emphasizes the power of forgiveness and the bond between a mother and her children. Mothers, by keeping this fast, are seen as selfless individuals who place their children’s well-being above everything else, even their own comfort.
How to Perform Ahoi Ashtami Puja: Step-by-Step Guide
Performing Ahoi Ashtami puja is relatively simple, and with sincere devotion, one can complete the ritual at home. Here is a basic guide to performing the puja:
- Prepare the Space:
Choose a clean spot for the puja, preferably near the image of Ahoi Mata. Draw or place the image of the goddess on the wall or in the puja area. - Arrange the Puja Items:
Gather all necessary items like roli (vermilion), chawal (rice), water, a diya (lamp), sweets, and fruits for the puja. - Puja Thali:
Set up a puja thali with the required offerings for Ahoi Mata, including flowers, fruits, and sweets. - Lighting the Diya:
Light the diya and place it in front of the goddess. Offer roli and chawal to the deity. - Offering of Food:
Offer sweets and fruits to Ahoi Mata while chanting prayers. In some regions, people also offer grains to the goddess. - Recite the Ahoi Ashtami Katha:
Listen to or recite the Ahoi Ashtami ki kahani, recounting the story of the mother and her devotion to Ahoi Mata. - Breaking the Fast:
After seeing the stars or the moon, break your fast with light food.
Ahoi Ashtami is a sacred festival that celebrates the deep love of mothers for their children. By observing this fast and performing the rituals, mothers connect with the divine and express their devotion to Ahoi Mata, ensuring happiness and prosperity for their children.
Disclaimer:
This article is written by AI and has been manually checked by humans for accuracy and authenticity. The information provided is based on genuine research from traditional sources and verified references.
FAQs on Ahoi Ashtami
Q1. What is Ahoi Ashtami?
Ahoi Ashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated by mothers who fast for the well-being and longevity of their children. It is observed about eight days before Diwali during the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month.
Q2. When is Ahoi Ashtami in 2024?
In 2024, Ahoi Ashtami will be celebrated on Thursday, 24 October.
Q3. What is the significance of Ahoi Ashtami?
Ahoi Ashtami holds significance as a day of fasting
and prayer by mothers who seek blessings from Ahoi Mata for their children’s health, prosperity, and longevity.
Q4. What is the Ahoi Ashtami vrat vidhi?
The vrat vidhi involves fasting, offering prayers to Ahoi Mata, performing a puja in the evening, and breaking the fast after sighting the stars or moon.
Q5. Can I drink water during Ahoi Ashtami vrat?
Traditionally, Ahoi Ashtami vrat is observed as a Nirjala vrat, meaning no food or water is consumed until the puja is completed. However, it may vary depending on personal or family traditions.
