Ahoi Ashtami 2023: Date, Significance, Timings, and Rituals of the Hindu Festival
- Posted on November 2, 2023
- Lifestyle
- By Arijit Dutta
- 225 Views
Ahoi Ashtami, also known as Ahoi Mata or Ahoi Ashtami Vrat, holds a special place in Hindu culture. This festival is dedicated to the well-being and long life of children and is celebrated by mothers with deep devotion. It falls on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha, a phase of the moon's cycle, in the Hindu month of Kartik. Typically, this day falls in October or November, as per the Gregorian calendar. In 2023, Ahoi Ashtami is scheduled for November 5.
Ahoi Ashtami, also
known as Ahoi Mata or Ahoi Ashtami Vrat, holds a special place in Hindu
culture. This festival is dedicated to the well-being and long life of children
and is celebrated by mothers with deep devotion. It falls on the eighth day of
the Krishna Paksha, a phase of the moon's cycle, in the Hindu month of Kartik.
Typically, this day falls in October or November, as per the Gregorian calendar.
In 2023, Ahoi Ashtami is scheduled for November 5.
The term 'Ahoi' finds
its origin in the Sanskrit word 'Aho,' meaning 'day,' while 'Ashtami' signifies
the 'eighth day.' Ahoi Ashtami is, therefore, celebrated on the eighth day of
Kartik. Mothers observe a rigorous fast from sunrise to sunset, praying for
their children's prosperity and longevity. The fast concludes after sighting
the evening stars and offering prayers to Ahoi Mata.
Ahoi Mata, according
to Hindu mythology, is regarded as an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the
divine consort of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that she appeared before a mother
who was anxious about her seven sons and blessed her with eight sons. From that
moment, Ahoi Mata has symbolized motherly love and protection.
On Ahoi Ashtami,
mothers engage in prayer and rituals, seeking Ahoi Mata's blessings for their
children's well-being. The timing of these rituals is determined by sunrise and
sunset schedules in specific regions. In many parts of India, the puja takes
place during the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) after sunrise but before moonrise,
with exact timings varying by location.
Preparations for Ahoi
Ashtami commence a day earlier with cleaning and decorating homes. On the
festival day, mothers rise early, bathe, and offer prayers to Ahoi Mata. They
draw her image on walls or floors using red powder (kumkum) or rice flour,
followed by the offering of fruits, sweets, and traditional dishes to the
Goddess.
Ahoi Ashtami Puja
Timings (Drik Panchang):
- Ashtami
Tithi Begins:
12:59 AM (November 5, 2023)
- Ashtami
Tithi Ends:
03:18 AM (November 6, 2023)
The significance of
Ahoi Ashtami extends beyond seeking blessings for children. It celebrates
motherhood, emphasizing the selflessness and unconditional love mothers have
for their children. Observing this fast is believed to cleanse mothers of past
sins and bring them closer to salvation.
Ahoi Ashtami is not restricted to mothers with sons; daughters are also encouraged to partake in this vrat for their well-being and prosperity. It is a festival that honors the deep bond between mothers and their children, with the blessings of Ahoi Mata acting as a protective guide.
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The primary ritual of
Ahoi Ashtami is the fast observed by mothers, abstaining from food and drink
throughout the day. Some may opt for a partial fast, consuming only fruits and
milk. This fast is thought to remove obstacles and bring prosperity to the
family.
In addition to
prayers, mothers conduct a special puja for their children's well-being,
decorating a pitcher (karwa) with henna and drawing images of their seven sons.
The pitcher is filled with water and kept for the puja. Following the evening
prayers to the moon god, the fast is broken by sipping water from the pitcher.
In certain regions, Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated as a community festival, with women gathering in groups to perform the puja together, exchange sweets and gifts, and spread joy and happiness among one another.