Ahoi Ashtami, or Ahoi Aathe is a significant Hindu festival where mothers keep a fast for their children’s health. Traditionally, only mothers who had sons used to keep this fast, but with time, it was modified for all children, irrespective of girls and boys, and mothers kept a fast for the long life, health, and success of their children.
The day of Ahoi Ashtami is observed 4 days after Karwa Chauth, when women fast for their husbands, and 8 days before the grand celebration of Diwali.
Ahoi Ashtami 2024
In 2024, as with many other days and festivals, there is also confusion if Ahoi Ashtami vrat should be kept on October 24 or October 25. And to put the dilemmas to rest, it is advised to keep the fasting on October 24.
As Karwa Chauth was celebrated on October 20, 2024, 4 days after it, that is 24 October, is the day for Ahoi Aathe.
According to Drik Panchang, “Ahoi Ashtami Thursday, October 24, 2024
Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurta – From 05:42 P.M. 06:59 PM
Duration – 01 hour 17 minutes
Evening time to see the stars – 06:06 PM
Krishna Dashami Moonrise time on Ahoi Ashtami day -11:55 PM.”
The story and legend behind Ahoi Ashtami fasting
The start of Ahoi Ashtami fasting and vrat started many centuries ago. According to popular lore, there was once a woman who had seven sons. One day, as she went to the forest to bring soil for her home, the spade she used for digging accidentally hit a lion cub. The cub soon died, and the woman grew worried and went away.
She was devastated about her act killing a life, and to add the sadness, when she returned home she got to know that her sons were missing. For days she couldn’t find them and the villagers considered them dead.
One fine day she shared the incident with one elderly woman who told her that the cub’s mother had cursed her, leading to the death of her sons. And so, to atone for her sins, she was advised to pray to Ahoi Mata and fast on the day of Ahoi Ashtami.
The mother then followed the advice of the elderly lady and kept a fast on Ahoi Ashtami seeking forgiveness for the accident. Ahoi Mata then helped her unite with her sons, and from that incident onwards Ahoi Ashtami began to be observed and celebrated by mothers.
The importance of Ahoi Ashtami or Ahoi Aathe
Ahoi Ashtami is important and significant for mothers, especially in parts of North India where it is celebrated. Mothers fast all day, from sunrise to sunset, and break their fast after seeing the ‘stars’. It is believed that the blessings of Ahoi Mata make sure that both the mother and her children are protected from misfortune, evil eye, negativity, and ill health.
In some regions, couples who are unable to conceive also keep the Ahoi Mata vrat and take a bath in the Radha Kund, in Vrindavan, and ask for Ahoi Mata’s blessings.
Puja vidhi for Ahoi Ashtami
The rituals and Puja vidhi for Ahoi Ashtami are kind of similar to Karwa Chauth fasting and other fasts observed.
The day starts with mothers waking up early, taking a bath, cleaning the home temple, and placing an image of Ahoi Mata, or drawing it near the temple. Traditionally, women used to paint a figure of Ahoi Mata on the wall with red or white clay, but today, printed posters with the image of Ahoi Mata are used. After the morning puja, women observe a strict fast, usually Nirjala vrat (no food, no water), and avoid using knives, scissors, or sharp objects.
During the evening, when the Puja muhurat is near, mothers gather a matka, uncooked rice, milk, flowers, sweets, and more and gather together for the puja.
After the vrat katha is recited, women wait to spot the stars to break their fast and some also wait for the moonrise which is difficult as the moonrise time is late on the Ashtami day.
The fast is broken with Sattvic food, and no onion or garlic is cooked for the family.