Ahoi Ashtami 2023: Date, Significance, Timings, and Rituals of the Hindu Festival

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.

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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.