Ahoi Ashtami: A Festival of Motherly Love and Blessing

Ahoi Ashtami, a significant Hindu festival, is celebrated by mothers across India with great devotion and love. This festival is observed for the well-being and longevity of their children.

Falling on the 8th day of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Kartik, usually a few days before Diwali, Ahoi Ashtami is a time for mothers to express their profound love and pray for the health and prosperity of their offspring. The day is dedicated to Ahoi Mata, the Hindu goddess of fertility and motherhood, whom they worship for the well-being and longevity of children.

Legend and Tradition

The origins of Ahoi Ashtami are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. It is believed that a mother’s devotion and prayers on this day can bring great blessings to her family. The most well-known story associated with Ahoi Ashtami is the tale of a mother and her seven sons. Due to a tragic mistake, the mother unknowingly killed a lion cub, which led to the suffering and eventual loss of her seven sons. In deep remorse, while on a pilgrimage to seek forgiveness for the unintentional sin, she sought help from a wise sage, who advised her to observe a strict fast and pray to the Goddess Ahoi. Her sincerity and devotion led to the miraculous return of her sons. Since then, this day is celebrated to honour the love and sacrifice of mothers.

Ahoi Ashtami 2023: Date and Timing

Ahoi Ashtami falls on November 05, Sunday, 2023. Hindu mothers celebrate this auspicious day for the well-being of their children. On this day, mothers fast from dawn till dusk.

Ashtami Tithi Timings: November 05, 1:00 am to November 06, 3:18 am

Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurat: November 05, 5:42 pm to November 05, 7:00 pm.

They break their fast after sighting the stars in the evening sky. People believe that observing this fast brings blessings and protection to children. Many women gather in groups to perform the Ahoi Ashtami puja together.

Observance and Rituals

Ahoi Ashtami is primarily observed by mothers. They fast from dawn till dusk without consuming even a drop of water, and their day is filled with prayers and rituals. The evening is the most important part of the celebration. Just after sunset, mothers gather with their family members, light a lamp, and perform the Ahoi Ashtami puja. A painting or image of Ahoi Mata (the mother goddess) is placed in a sacred corner of the house, and everyone joins in offering prayers and seeking her blessings.

The Ahoi Mata image is a unique feature of Ahoi Ashtami celebrations. It often consists of a painted image or a printed picture of the goddess Ahoi. The image shows Ahoi Mata with her seven sons, sometimes inside a border formed by seven stars, representing the seven sons in her legend. This image is central to the puja and is a symbol of the protective and nurturing qualities of a mother.

Ahoi Ashtami Pooja Vidhi

Items Needed:

1. A picture or idol of Ahoi Mata.
2. A picture or idol of Lord Ganesha.
3. A clean cloth for the altar.
4. A plate for the puja.
5. A small pot filled with water.
6. A few grains of wheat or millet.
7. A diya (oil lamp) and some ghee or oil.
8. Incense sticks.
9. Kumkum (vermillion) and chawal (rice).
10. Sweets and fruits as offerings.
11. A cowry shell (optional).

Pooja Vidhi:

1. Preparation:

• Maintain celibacy.
• Rise up early and clean the house and the area where you plan to do the puja.
• Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
• Arrange all the items for the puja on the altar.
  

2. Drawing of Ahoi Mata’s Picture:

• Some people draw an image of Ahoi Mata on the wall or a paper.
• You can also use a picture or idol of Ahoi Mata if you have one.
  

3. Lighting the Diya:

• Light the diya (oil lamp) with ghee or oil.
• Place the diya in front of Ahoi Mata’s picture.
  

4. Prayers:

• Begin the puja by first offering your prayers to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
  

5. Ahoi Mata Puja:

• Pray to Ahoi Mata for the well-being and long life of your children.
• Chant Ahoi Mata’s mantras or recite her story.
  

6. Offerings:

• Offer sweets, wheat flour halwa, and fruits to Ahoi Mata as prasad.
• You can also place a few grains of wheat or millet on the altar.
  

7. Cowry Shell Ritual (Optional):

• Some people tie a cowry shell to a red thread and keep it in the puja area to symbolise the children’s well-being.
  

8. Arti:

• After offering prasad, perform an aarti by circling the diya around Ahoi Mata’s picture.
  

9. Conclusion:

• Conclude the puja by seeking the blessings of Ahoi Mata for your children’s health and well-being.
  

10. Fasting: 

• If you are fasting, the fast is traditionally broken in the evening after sighting the stars, and you can have water, followed by a simple meal.

Final Thoughts

Ahoi Ashtami is a beautiful festival that not only showcases a mother’s love but also underscores the importance of maternal blessings and prayers in Hindu culture. It is a time for families to come together, offer prayers, and strengthen their bonds. This festival is a reminder of the profound love and sacrifices that mothers make for the well-being of their children.
As we celebrate Ahoi Ashtami this year, let us honour and appreciate the love and blessings of our mothers. It is possible that the rituals may vary from region to region, but the essence of the festival remains the same.

FAQs:

1. What is Ahoi Ashtami?
   Ahoi Ashtami is a Hindu festival dedicated to fasting, prayers, and blessings for the well-being of children. It falls on the eighth day of the waning phase of the moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Kartik, usually in October or November.
   
2. How is Ahoi Ashtami celebrated?
   On this day, mothers observe a day-long fast and offer prayers to Ahoi Mata, a deity associated with motherhood. They draw an image of Ahoi Mata on the wall and perform a puja (ritual worship) with incense, lamps, and offerings.
   
3. What colour should be worn while worshipping Ahoi Mata?
   Typically, you may wear orange coloured clothes and worship Mata Ahoi. However, there are no restrictions known with regards to other colours.
   
4. What is the significance of Ahoi Ashtami?
   Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated to seek the blessings of Ahoi Mata for the health and prosperity of children. It is believed that observing this fast and performing the rituals can protect children from harm.
   
5. What do people eat after the Ahoi Ashtami fast?
   The fast is typically broken after sighting the stars in the evening. Traditionally, foods like wheat, milk, and dry fruits are consumed to break the fast.
   
6. Are there regional variations in the way Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated?
   Yes, the customs and traditions associated with Ahoi Ashtami can vary from region to region in India. Different communities may have their unique ways of observing this festival.
   
7. Can anyone observe Ahoi Ashtami fast, or is it specific to mothers?
   Ahoi Ashtami is primarily observed by mothers for the well-being of their children. However, other family members may also participate in the rituals and prayers.