Significance and Rituals of Ahoi Ashtami: Celebrating Motherhood and Blessings

Ahoi Ashtami is an auspicious Hindu Festival that holds immense significance. This vibrant occasion is observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in Kartik, bringing joy and devotion to households across India. People primary dedicated to Ahoi Ashtami to Ahoi mata, the Hindu Goddess of fertility and motherhood, whom they worshipped for the well-being and longevity of children. On this day Mother is doing fast. They break their fast only after sighting the stars in the evening sky, accomplished by special rituals involving praying, offering praying, and sharing delicious treats. They believe that it brings prosperity, and protect the well-being of their offspring.  

Ahoi Ashtami Dates

Ahoi Ashtami falls around October and November Month. This year it will be celebrated on Thu, 24 Oct, 2024. Hindu mothers celebrate this auspicious day for the well-being of their children. On this day, mothers fast from dawn till dusk.

Rituals during Ahoi Asthami

Ahoi Ashtami is a significant festival observed in Hindusim. Some rituals associated with Ahoi Ashtami : 

• On Ahoi Ashtami, the mother observed a strict fast from dawn till the sighting of the star in the evening.  
• The day before the Ahoi Ashtami women clean and decorate the prayer areas with rangoli and flowers.  
• In the evening, the women gather and narrated the story of Ahoi Ashtami which revolve around a mother and her seven sons.  
• People draw the picture or image of Ahoi Mata. The Goddess worshipped on this day, on the wall using mud or cow dung.  
• Women perform puja to Ahoi Mata and seeking blessings for the well-being and longevity of their children. 
• They offered traditional food items like wheat flour halwa and milk to the goddess.  
• Water is an essential element in Ahoi Ashtami rituals. Women sprinkle water on themselves while reciting prayers.  
• After the evening prayer, women break their fast by sighting the moon and drinking water.  
• The festival also provide an opportunity for women to come together, exchange sweets, and share their experiences as mothers.  
• Elders blessed the children with gifts and blessings for their well-being and prosperity.  
• Families pass down the deeply rooted tradition of Ahoi Ashtami through their generations. Thereby strengthing family bonds and fostering a sense of community.  

Significance of Ahoi Ashtami

An ancient myths suggest that Maa Ahoi may accept your wishes if u recall her with a pure heart. And therefore women try to impress the goddess by performing rituals and keeping fast.  

They even didn’t drink water until after when she seeing the star or moon at night. Women visit the nearby temple after dusk and worshipped the Goddess. On this day women gather under one roof and listen to devotional songs and ancient legends. Also, women prepared delicious food for their families. They offered a sweet dish to God and took blessings from her.  

This auspicious day brings an opportunity to impress Maa Ahoi with true devotion. Those couples who are preparing for conception visit Radha Kunda at Mathura to take a dip inside the river, they will blessed with a baby boy.  

Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha

Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha is a significant observation in astrology. This fast is observed by mothers for the well-being and long life of their children. Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha falls on the eighth day of the Hindu month of Kartik and it holds great importance. The Vart katha beings with the story from the scriptures. Once, there was a woman who lived in the village. She had seven sons. One day while digging in the ground, she accidentally killed a small cub. This incident made her feel guilty and she deeply regretted her action. The woman sought advice from a sage, who advised her to observe the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat. He explained that by doing this fast, she could repent for her actions and receive blessings for her children. The women immediately followed the sage’s instruction.  

She starts fast on the eighth day of Kartik month before sunrise. Throughout the day, she refrained from eating or drinking anything. The woman diligently observed the fast and prayed for the well-being of her son. Impressed by her devotion and repentance Goddess Ahoi appeared before her and the goddess blessed her and informed her that her son would be safe from any harm.  

And also she blessed the entire village, ensuring prosperity and happiness. The villagers were inspired by her story and started doing Ahoi Ashtami Vrat. Then from that day onward this fast became a popular tradition among mothers.  

Conclusion  

On this festival, devotee worshipped Maa Ahoi for blessings and the well-being for their children. This fast comes on the eighth day of the Kartik month. Basically, This fast is done by the mother for the better and safety and longevity of the children.