Ahoi Ashtami 2024 Date and Time: Know Rituals and Significance of the observance
Posted on October 20, 2024
Ahoi Ashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily by mothers in North India for the well-being and long life of their children. It is observed four days after Karva Chauth and is dedicated to Goddess Ahoi or Ahoi Mata.
Ahoi Ashtami 2024 Date and Time
Date: Thursday, October 24.
Ashtami Tithi Begins at 01:18 AM on Oct 24, 2024.
Ashtami Tithi Ends at 01:58 AM on Oct 25, 2024.
When is it celebrated?
Ahoi Ashtami usually falls in the month of October or November, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik.
Who observes it?
Mothers, especially those in North India, celebrate this festival with devotion. It is somewhat similar to Karva Chauth but is focused on praying for children instead of husbands.
Significance
On this day, women observe a fast from dawn to dusk, praying to Ahoi Mata for the well-being, prosperity, and longevity of their children. It is believed that Goddess Ahoi protects children from evil and grants them health and happiness.
The Fast
Women begin their fast early in the morning before sunrise and refrain from eating or drinking throughout the day. The fast is broken after sighting the stars in the evening or, in some traditions, after seeing the moon.
Puja and Rituals
In the evening, a special puja is performed where women draw an image of Ahoi Mata on the wall or on paper, along with a picture of a porcupine, as both are considered symbols of fertility and protection. An earthen pot or kalash filled with water is placed before the deity, and offerings like fruits, sweets, and grains are made.
Ending the Fast
After performing the Ahoi Mata Puja, women pray for their children’s well-being and longevity. They usually break the fast by offering water to the stars or moon and then eating food prepared for the occasion.
The festival reflects the deep bond between mothers and their children and highlights the importance of family and devotion in Hindu culture.
Categories: Festival Dates & Time
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