Ahoi Ashtami is a significant Hindu festival celebrated primarily in North India by women, especially mothers, for the well-being and long life of their children, particularly sons. It falls about eight days before Diwali, on the Ashtami tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Kartik (usually October-November).
Significance:
- Ahoi Ashtami is dedicated to Goddess Ahoi or Ahoi Mata, who is worshiped by mothers to protect their children and ensure their prosperity and longevity.
- Traditionally, women who observe this fast pray for their sons, but in modern times, the prayers are often for the well-being of all their children.
Legends:
The most popular legend associated with Ahoi Ashtami is about a woman who accidentally killed a baby cub of a lioness while digging soil in the forest. This incident caused misfortune in her family, resulting in her children falling sick. To atone for her unintentional sin and seek the well-being of her children, she prayed to Goddess Ahoi and observed a strict fast. Pleased with her devotion, the goddess forgave her and restored her children's health.
Rituals and Observances:
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Fasting: Women observing Ahoi Ashtami fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food and water. The fast is broken only after sighting the stars in the evening or, in some regions, after sighting the moon.
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Drawing Ahoi Mata: Ahoi Mata's image is drawn on the wall or paper, depicting the goddess with her children and a cub, along with stars, the sun, and the moon.
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Offering to Ahoi Mata: Mothers offer special food items like sweets, grains, fruits, and water to Ahoi Mata during the evening puja. The offerings are placed before the image of the goddess, along with a pot filled with water, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.
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Puja (worship): The puja is performed in the evening, where women recite the Ahoi Ashtami Katha (story) and offer prayers for their children's well-being. The puja thali includes diyas (lamps), sweets, and fruits. After the prayers, the food is distributed as prasad.
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Sighting the Stars: The fast is traditionally broken after sighting the stars, as they are considered auspicious and symbolize the goddess’s blessings.
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Sighting the Moon: In some regions, the fast is broken after seeing the moon. The moon is offered water and rice before consuming food and water.
Modern Celebrations:
While the festival is still widely observed, its practice has evolved with time. Many women now pray for the well-being of both sons and daughters, and the festival emphasizes family unity and blessings for all children. Some families also donate to the needy and perform charity work as part of the observance.
Ahoi Ashtami is often compared to Karwa Chauth as both are fasts observed for family well-being, but Ahoi Ashtami is focused on children, while Karwa Chauth is for the longevity of the husband.