The Glorious Ahoi Ashtami Festivities in India

The festive season has begun, and this is the time of year when nearly every day is magnificent. With the festivals of Navratri, Durga Pooja, and Dussehra taking place these days, another important Hindu celebrations known as Karwa Chauth and Ahoi Ashtami is just around the horizon. According to Hindu traditions, this auspicious day marks the beginning of Diwali and is known as 'Krishnashtami.' This big event is held in honour of the 'strength of mother's prayer.'   

Ahoi Ashtami - Dates, Legend, Significance, Rituals, Puja Vidhi

Similar to Karwa Chauth, when married ladies fast for the entire day, the same is witnessed on Ahoi Ashtami. The festivity, also known as Ahoi Aathe, is mostly celebrated by the Banya-Marwari ethnic community. Know more about the significant festivities and deep beliefs infused with it.

Major Attractions of Ahoi Ashtami

Ahoi Ashtami is widely honoured in the states of North India and is profoundly embraced by mothers. On this day, prayers & kathas are done by the elder female of the family along with other women fasting all day for their children.

1. The Legend Of Ahoi Ashtami

Once upon a time, there was a woman who had seven boys. She went to the forest to get soil and started digging near a den. The axe with which the women kept digging unintentionally fell on the cub near the cave, killing it. After a year, she observed that her boys died one by one, making her regret what occurred near the cave. When she recounted her narrative to the other ladies in the village, they urged her to offer prayers to Goddess Ashtami Bhagwati by recreating the cub's face as her sons died because of the animal’s curse. Every year, she fasted and prayed to the idol with complete dedication in the hope of regaining her sons. God's grace intervened, and her boys returned to life. Since then, women, particularly in Northern India, have followed this ritual to ensure their offspring's good fortune and long lives with Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha.

2. Significance of Ahoi Ashtami

This auspicious day falls on Ashtami tithi, the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month and is solely dedicated to the Goddess Ahoi, also known as Ahoi Mata. This fast is observed to safeguard the well-being and prosperity of their children. Furthermore, many women observe these fasts if they desire more children and have trouble conceiving. This is achieved by doing Ashtami puja or vrat.

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3. Rituals of Ahoi Ashtami

Traditionally, the day is honoured by mothers who observe a day-long fast, avoiding water in any case for the well-being of their children. After gazing at the stars in the sky, the women break their fast. A few ladies gaze at the moon to break their fast; the moon sometimes rises late on Ahoi Ashtami. On this day, mothers get up before sunrise, eat a few snacks, and then head to the temple to pray. Their fast begins at sunrise. According to legend, a pitcher of water and grains is maintained in front of a drawing of stars and Ahoi Mata on a wall. An elder lady in the home then reads the story of Ahoi Mata as others listen attentively. Puri, halwa, and various sweets may be served. Water chestnuts are provided in equal quantities.

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5. Puja Vidhi of Ahoi Ashtami

Women get up early in the morning and swear to fulfil the vrat faithfully. They do Nirjala vrat (fast without water) with this, and then they perform Ashtakoshtak, an eight-edged picture of Ahoi Mata and a lion cub with orange dirt called Geru. To do prayers, a calendar is also posted on the wall. Before the image, a Kalash is placed, filled with water and covered with a lid, with a karwa placed on top. Then they chant with vrat Katha and revere aartis for their children's blessings. Finally, they present Arghya to the stars or the moon to break the fast.

This is the way Ahoi Ashtami is commemorated in India. Adotrip.com is a leading travel organisation offering a hassle-free booking experience with a user-friendly interface. Book your vacation with Adotrip.

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Frequently Asked Questions Related To Ahoi Ashtami

Q1. Is Ahoi Ashtami only for boys?
A1. In older days, mothers used to keep fasts only for their sons, but nowadays, they keep it for their children.

Q2. Is Ahoi Ashtami fast for a girl child?
A2. The Ahoi Ashtami fast is for both sons and daughters.

Q3. Why is Ahoi Ashtami celebrated?
A3. This festival is celebrated with the belief that keeping fasts and praying to Goddess Ahoi will be good and fortunate for the well-being and longevity of their children.