India has lots of festivals that are mainly observed by women. Ahoi Ashtami is one of them. During this festival, mothers observe a fast and pray for the well-being and prosperity of their children. This festival is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). Devottes worship the goddess Ahoi (an incarnation of Goddess Parvati), perform many rituals, and seek blessings from the deity. It brings families together for religious activities and strengthens their bonds. Let’s learn more about Ahoi Ashtami Puja, its story, rituals, importance, etc, in detail.
When is Ahoi Ashtami in 2025?
In 2025, Ahoi Ashtami will take place on Monday, October 13.
Evening Time for Seeing Stars- 06:28 PM
Ashtami Tithi Beginning Time- 12:24 PM on Oct 13, 2025
Ashtami Tithi End Time- 11:09 AM on Oct 14, 2025
Moonrise On Ahoi Ashtami-12:09 AM, Oct 14
Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurat- 06:07 PM to 07:19 PM
The Story Behind Ahoi Ashtami Vrat
Ahoi Ashtami has a heartwarming and spiritually uplifting story. It dates back to ancient times. As per the tale, a mother had seven sons. They were all happy and prosperous. Nevertheless, due to arrogance, she ignored the well-being of a cow that used to live on her farm. Because of her negligence, it became weak and sick over time. One day, the woman was in the fields. The cow gave birth to a calf. It was very weak. The woman’s sons were worried about the condition of the cow and calf. But she rejected their concern and kept her focus on acquiring wealth, possessions, and physical comfort.
One day, she went to the river to take a bath. There, she saw a strange thing. The cow, which was totally sick, appeared in front of her in the form of a deity and demanded justice for the bad behavior it experienced. She warned that the woman and her family would face dire consequences for this. She cursed that the lady will lose her sons one after another because of her selfishness and arrogance.
It made the woman sad. She realized her mistake and dedicated herself to atoning for her sins. The deity became pleased with this and blessed her with a promise. She got a chance to correct her mistakes, but it required great penance and devotion. The lady observed fast, prayed for the well-being of her sons, and sought forgiveness for her previous actions. It is believed that Goddess Ahoi has divine power to safeguard children. With time, the women’s children had a blessed life. The family’s prosperity was restored once again.
So, this festival encourages mothers to be careful about their actions. They must seek forgiveness for mistakes made in the past.
Importance of Ahoi Ashtami
It Marks Maternal Love and Devotion
Ahoi Ashtami symbolizes a mother’s never-ending love and support for her kids. By observing fast and praying for their well-being, mothers display their affection and dedication to their children. It also manifests the fact that they play an important role for their families and contribute to their children's health, happiness, and prosperity in several ways.
A Reminder of Meekness & Remorse
The Ahoi Ashtami Vrat story also teaches the lessons of modesty. The woman in this story had to give up her arrogance before asking for forgiveness and the deity’s blessings. It teaches us that we must be careful about our actions, express sincere regret for our wrongdoings in the past, and embrace meekness in all aspects of our lives.
It Promotes Spirituality
Ahoi Ashtami Puja pushes individuals towards spirituality. By participating in this festival, you come to know the importance of spiritual values. People express gratitude to the deity for the well-being of their near and dear ones and the blessings they receive.
Rituals of Ahoi Ashtami
Many rituals and customs are associated with this festival. Here are some of them-
Preparation of The Prayer Area
Before the festival, devotees dedicate a space for prayer. Just clean the worship and the surrounding area, and place the paintings or statues of Goddess Ahoi, Parvati, and Lord Shiva. They also draw a cow and calf. It represents animals that played a significant role in Ahoi Ashtami Vrat. They use flowers, incense sticks, and oil lamps to create a devotional atmosphere for the occasion. Remember, the prayer area works as a central point for all rituals of the festival. So, decorate it as far as you can to create a perfect spiritual vibe.
Fasting
While celebrating this festival, devotees observe a fast from morning to evening. Women and mothers stay away from food and spend the entire day in prayers and spiritual activities. As per your desire, you can observe a partial or complete fast. By keeping fast, mothers display their love & dedication for their children. It is believed that the deity blesses the children of all those mothers who keep a sincere fast.
Recitation of Ahoi Ashtami Vrat story
It is an essential part of the celebration. Women narrate the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat story and educate individuals. It reminds them of the real experience of a woman who expressed sorry for her past mistakes and sought the deity’s help to protect their children and ensure their well-being. Recite the story in a group. It will help more people understand the importance of devotion, repentance, meekness, family, and relationships.
Ahoi Ashtami Puja
In the evening, devotees perform worship after completing the fast. They start the worship by lighting oil lamps. It creates a peaceful and divine ambiance and invites positive energy and blessings to individuals. They sing devotional songs, offer flowers, incense sticks, and pious food to the deity. It is believed that Goddess Ahoi accepts all these offerings as a symbol of devotion and offers her divine blessings to mothers and their children.
Breaking The Fast
Devotees break fast after seeing stars in the sky. They have a light meal and share it with family members, friends, or other devotees. Remember, the first meal denotes the end of a day-long fast. It also symbolizes the fulfillment of prayers, the renewal of wealth, and divine protection for children.
Santan Gopal Puja
Couples seeking children perform this worship. They take a bath in Radha Kund and worship the child form of Lord Krishna. It is believed that performing this ritual helps them fulfill their desire to have a child with good qualities.
Conclusion
Ahoi Ashtami 2025 is approaching fast for all of us. It is a festival with rich traditions, powerful symbolism, and immense spiritual meaning. Prepare for the occasion, perform different rituals with great devotion, seek blessings from the deity, and pray for the well-being and long life of your children. Happy Ahoi Ashtami 2025 to all. Celebrate the festival in a group, share the spirit with others, distribute pious food among all devotees to take your devotion to new heights, and evoke the blessings of the deity.
