Ahoi Ashtami 2024: Auspicious Timings, Significance, & Fasting Rituals

Ahoi Ashtami, an important Hindu festival dedicated to mothers praying for the long life and well-being of their children, will be observed on Thursday, October 24, 2024. This festival holds deep cultural and religious significance, particularly among mothers who fast and perform special prayers, believing it will bring blessings and prosperity to their children. Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated with devotion, rituals, and prayers, especially across North India. In this blog, we’ll cover the Ahoi Ashtami 2024 date, its significance, the auspicious timings, and the traditional fasting rituals observed by devotees.

Ahoi Ashtami 2024 Date and Auspicious Timings

In 2024, Ahoi Ashtami will be celebrated on October 24. The Ashtami Tithi, marking the eighth day of the lunar month, begins at 01:18 AM on October 24, 2024, and concludes at 01:58 AM on October 25, 2024. This time frame is regarded as highly auspicious for mothers to observe the Ahoi Ashtami fast and perform the accompanying rituals, seeking blessings for the long life and prosperity of their children.

The Significance of Ahoi Ashtami

Ahoi Ashtami is a significant festival observed by mothers who pray for their children’s health, happiness, and longevity. It is believed that fasting on Ahoi Ashtami with a pure heart and sincere devotion invites divine blessings, helping mothers safeguard their children from any hardships or obstacles.

This festival is deeply connected to the worship of Ahoi Mata, a form of Goddess Parvati. Mothers offer prayers to Ahoi Mata, asking for her protection over their children and for their prosperity. According to legend, the festival’s origins trace back to the story of a mother who, while digging soil, unintentionally harmed a young cub. Through her penance and prayers, she was blessed by Ahoi Mata, ensuring the safety and well-being of her children.

Fasting Rituals of Ahoi Ashtami 2024

Fasting on Ahoi Ashtami 2024 is a key ritual for mothers, symbolizing their devotion to the well-being of their children. The fast begins before sunrise and is observed throughout the day until the stars or moon become visible in the evening. During this period, mothers abstain from both food and water, offering prayers and seeking blessings for the long life, health, and prosperity of their children. This day of fasting and prayer is deeply rooted in tradition and devotion, highlighting the strong bond between mothers and their children.

Here is a step-by-step guide to the Ahoi Ashtami fasting rituals:

1. Early Morning Bath and Sankalp: On Ahoi Ashtami, mothers begin the day with a sacred bath early in the morning. After cleansing, they take a Sankalp (vow) to observe the fast with deep devotion for the well-being and prosperity of their children. This vow is taken with great sincerity, marking the start of the day’s spiritual journey.
2. Drawing the Ahoi Mata Image: Traditionally, an image of Ahoi Mata is drawn on the prayer room wall using rice flour or wheat paste. Nowadays, many opt for ready-made pictures or idols of Ahoi Mata. Around the image, seven stars or star symbols are drawn, symbolizing divine blessings.
3. Offering Prayers: The Ahoi Mata Puja is performed in the evening, after the completion of household chores. Mothers gather before the image of Ahoi Mata, light a diya (lamp), and offer fruits, sweets, and water to the deity. A special thread, known as the Ahoi Ashtami thread, is tied around the wrist, symbolizing protection for their children.
4. Reading or Listening to the Ahoi Ashtami Katha: During the evening puja, the Ahoi Ashtami Katha (story) is recited. This sacred story recounts the tale of a mother who sought Ahoi Mata’s blessings to protect her children after an accidental mishap. Listening to or reading this story is a vital part of the ritual, believed to invite divine grace and blessings.
5. Breaking the Fast: The fast is broken after the stars or moon are sighted in the evening. Mothers look towards the stars or moon and offer water, milk, or sweets as part of the concluding ritual. After this, the fast is officially ended, and the family gathers to enjoy a meal together.

These rituals and traditions reflect the deep-rooted spiritual connection between mothers and their children, symbolizing protection, prosperity, and blessings on Ahoi Ashtami.

Ahoi Ashtami celebrations

The puja and fasting on Ahoi Ashtami are dedicated to Ahoi Mata, who is worshipped by mothers for the well-being, prosperity, and long life of their children. This festival is also known as Ahoi Aathe, as it is observed on the Ashtami Tithi, the eighth day of the lunar month. A unique aspect of the Ahoi Ashtami ritual is the creation of garlands, which are often made using coins or currency notes. In some families, garlands are crafted from special items that hold personal significance and are passed down through generations, adding a deeper cultural and familial value to the tradition.

Ahoi Ashtami FAQs:

Q: When is Ahoi Ashtami celebrated?
Ans: In North India, Ahoi Ashtami is observed on the ‘Ashtami’ of the Kartik month during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon). In West and South India, it is celebrated in the month of Ashvin. While the months differ, the day remains the same across regions.

Q: What do mothers do on Ahoi Ashtami?
Ans: On Ahoi Ashtami, mothers observe a strict fast, refraining from food and water throughout the day, dedicating their prayers to the well-being of their children.

Q: What do mothers pray for on Ahoi Ashtami?
Ans: Mothers pray for the good health, safety, and long life of their children.

Q: Who is Goddess Ahoi?
Ans: Goddess Ahoi is a form of Goddess Parvati, revered by mothers on Ahoi Ashtami for protecting and blessing their children.

Q: Is Ahoi Ashtami only for wishing for sons?
Ans: No, Ahoi Ashtami is observed by mothers praying for the health and well-being of their children, regardless of whether they are sons or daughters.

Q: Can unmarried women observe Ahoi Ashtami?
Ans: Yes, unmarried women can also observe the Ahoi Ashtami fast to seek blessings for a prosperous future and the well-being of their family members.

Q: What should be offered during the Ahoi Ashtami Puja?
Ans: During the Ahoi Ashtami Puja, offerings typically include fruits, sweets, water, and grains, along with lighting a diya (lamp). Some devotees also offer garlands made from coins or traditional family heirlooms.

Q: Is there a specific time to perform Ahoi Ashtami Puja?
Ans: The puja is usually performed in the evening after the stars or moon become visible. This is considered the most auspicious time to break the fast and offer prayers.

Q: How long has the tradition of Ahoi Ashtami been observed?
Ans: The tradition of Ahoi Ashtami has been observed for centuries in Hindu culture. It holds special importance in families where mothers fast and pray for the welfare of their children.

Q: Can the Ahoi Ashtami fast be observed by those who are pregnant?
Ans: Pregnant women may choose to modify their fast according to their health needs. It’s best to consult family elders or a priest for guidance on how to observe the fast in such cases.