Google trend - Ahoi Ashtami

Ahoi Ashtami is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in various parts of India, especially in the northern regions. It falls on the eighth day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually falls in October or November according to the Gregorian calendar. This festival is primarily observed by mothers who pray for the well-being and longevity of their children.

The word "Ahoi" is derived from the Sanskrit term "Aho" meaning day, and "Ashtami" refers to the eighth day. On this day, mothers fast from dawn to dusk and break their fast after sighting the stars in the evening. The fasting ritual is known as "Ahoi Vrat" and is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm.

The legend associated with Ahoi Ashtami dates back to ancient times. It is believed that there was a woman who had seven sons. One day, while she was digging the soil to make a wall for her house, her axe accidentally killed a young cub. The mother cub was devastated and cursed the woman that all her sons would die. Upon hearing this, the woman pleaded for forgiveness and asked for a way to redeem herself. The mother cub told her that by observing a fast on the eighth day of Kartik month, she could save her sons.

Following the instructions, the woman observed the fast and performed all the rituals with utmost devotion. As a result, her sons were saved from the curse, and she regained her happiness. This incident became widely known, and since then, mothers have been observing the Ahoi Ashtami fast to protect their children from any harm or evil.

On the day of Ahoi Ashtami, mothers wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear new clothes. They then draw a picture of the goddess Ahoi on the walls of their house using red clay or cow dung. The picture usually depicts a mother embracing her children. Some also use posters or images of the goddess Ahoi for this purpose.

Afterward, a small square-shaped space is left vacant in the middle of the picture. This space is considered sacred and is left empty to symbolize the presence of the goddess. The picture is then adorned with flowers, rice, and other auspicious items. Mothers offer prayers to the goddess Ahoi, seeking her blessings for their children's well-being and prosperity.

During the day, mothers engage in various activities like singing devotional songs, narrating stories, and reciting prayers dedicated to the goddess Ahoi. They also share the significance of the festival with their children and other family members.

In the evening, after sighting the stars, mothers break their fast by consuming a special meal prepared for the occasion. The meal usually consists of fruits, sweets, and other vegetarian delicacies. It is considered auspicious to share this meal with family members and offer it to the goddess Ahoi before consumption.

Ahoi Ashtami is not only a festival of fasting and prayer but also a time for family bonding and expressing love and care for children. It strengthens the mother-child bond and instills a sense of gratitude and devotion.

In conclusion, Ahoi Ashtami is a significant Hindu festival celebrated by mothers to seek the blessings and protection of the goddess Ahoi for their children. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and devotion, observed with great enthusiasm and faith. The festival holds immense cultural and emotional importance, promoting love, care, and well-being within families.