Ahoi Ashtami अहोई अष्टमी
Dedicated to Ahoi Mata
About Ahoi Ashtami
Ahoi Ashtami is a fast observed by mothers for the well-being and longevity of their children. Falling on Kartik Krishna Ashtami — eight days before Diwali — mothers fast from sunrise until they see the stars in the evening sky. The central deity is Ahoi Mata, depicted as a mother goddess with her children, often drawn or printed on the wall. During the evening puja, mothers listen to the Ahoi Ashtami Katha, which tells the story of a mother who accidentally killed a baby lion cub while digging earth for a Navratri project, and the subsequent curse and redemption involving her seven sons. Water is offered to the stars (not the moon) to break the fast. A small silver or clay pot (ahoi) is used in the puja. The festival reinforces the deep bond between mother and child in Hindu culture.
अहोई अष्टमी माताओं द्वारा अपने बच्चों के कल्याण और दीर्घायु के लिए रखा जाने वाला व्रत है। दीवाली से आठ दिन पहले कार्तिक कृष्ण अष्टमी को पड़ने वाले इस व्रत में माताएँ सूर्योदय से शाम के आसमान में तारे दिखने तक उपवास रखती हैं। केंद्रीय देवी अहोई माता हैं, जिन्हें अपने बच्चों के साथ एक माँ देवी के रूप में दीवार पर चित्रित या मुद्रित किया जाता है। शाम की पूजा में माताएँ अहोई अष्टमी की कथा सुनती हैं, जो एक माँ की कहानी बताती है जिसने नवरात्रि परियोजना के लिए मिट्टी खोदते समय गलती से शेर के शावक को मार दिया, और उसके बाद उसके सात पुत्रों से जुड़ा श्राप और मुक्ति। व्रत तोड़ने के लिए तारों (चाँद नहीं) को जल अर्पित किया जाता है।
Spiritual Significance
Ahoi Ashtami celebrates the unconditional love of a mother and her willingness to undergo spiritual austerity for her children's safety. The festival reinforces that a mother's prayers and devotion are among the most powerful forces for a child's protection.
अहोई अष्टमी एक माँ के निःशर्त प्रेम और अपने बच्चों की सुरक्षा के लिए आध्यात्मिक तपस्या की उसकी इच्छा का उत्सव है। यह त्योहार इस बात को पुष्ट करता है कि बच्चे की रक्षा के लिए माँ की प्रार्थनाएँ और भक्ति सबसे शक्तिशाली बलों में से हैं।
Key Rituals & Practices
- Fast from sunrise until stars are visible in the evening
- Draw or place an image of Ahoi Mata on the wall
- Perform puja with a small silver or clay ahoi pot
- Listen to the Ahoi Ashtami Katha in the evening
- Offer water to the stars (not moon) to break the fast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of Ahoi Ashtami?
The legend tells of a woman who had seven sons. While digging earth near a den for Navratri preparations, she accidentally killed a lion cub with her spade. The lioness cursed her that all her children would die. One by one, six of her sons perished. Desperate, she confessed her mistake and performed severe penance. Through the grace of a divine cow and sincere repentance, the curse was lifted, her sons were restored to life, and the lioness forgave her. Since then, mothers observe this fast seeking protection for their children.
Why do women look at stars instead of the moon?
Unlike Karwa Chauth where the fast is broken after sighting the moon, Ahoi Ashtami fast is broken after seeing stars in the evening sky. This is because the festival falls on Krishna Ashtami (eighth day of the waning moon), when the moon rises late at night. Since waiting for the moon would mean fasting well past dinner time, the tradition uses stars as the indicator. The stars also symbolize the children — just as stars illuminate the dark sky, children light up a mother's life.
Is Ahoi Ashtami only for mothers of sons?
While the traditional story involves sons, modern observance of Ahoi Ashtami has evolved to include all children regardless of gender. Mothers fast for the well-being of all their children — sons and daughters alike. Some women without children also observe the fast while praying for the blessing of children. The core spirit of the festival is a mother's unconditional love and protective prayers for her offspring, which transcends gender distinctions.
Festival Details
- Deity
- Ahoi Mata
- Category
- Vrat & Fasting
- Regions
- North India, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
- Calendar Basis
- Hindu Lunar (Panchang)
- Hindu Month
- Kartik — Krishna Paksha, Ashtami
- Importance
- normal