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The fast is broken after sighting the stars, which marks the completion of the day’s rituals.
Mothers begin the day with a completely waterless fast.
Ahoi Ashtami is a significant festival for mothers, observed for the well-being, long life, and happiness of their children. It is celebrated annually on the Ashtami tithi (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month of the Hindu lunar calendar. In 2024, Ahoi Ashtami falls on Thursday, October 24.
Worship Methods and Rituals:
Fasting: Mothers begin the day with a completely waterless fast. They abstain from food and water from sunrise until the evening puja.
Preparation of Ahoi Mata’s Image: Ahoi Mata, a form of Goddess Parvati, is worshipped. People draw her image on a wall or a clean cloth. In modern times, some use printed images or idols.
Kalash and Offerings: A Kalash (water vessel) is placed, symbolizing the goddess’s presence. Offerings such as puri, halwa, and other traditional foods are prepared and placed before Ahoi Mata.
Puja in the Evening: The puja begins in the evening after sighting the stars. Mothers light a lamp (diya) and offer flowers, sweets, fruits, and milk to Ahoi Mata. Special prayers are recited for the prosperity and good health of the children.
Star Sighting: The fast is broken after sighting the stars, which marks the completion of the day’s rituals.
According to astrologer and Vastu consultant Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma from Bhopal, the key to observing this fast lies in purity, discipline, and devotion. According to the Pandit, the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month started at 1:18 pm on Wednesday, October 23. It will end on Thursday night, October 24 at 1:58 am.
For couples yearning to have children, there is a special ritual associated with Ahoi Ashtami. On this day, childless couples visit Radhakund, a sacred pond located on the Govardhan Parikrama Marg, near Mathura. It is believed that bathing in Radhakund on Ahoi Ashtami holds immense spiritual significance.
The Belief Behind Bathing in Radhakund:
Spiritual Cleansing: Bathing in the holy waters of Radhakund is said to purify the body and soul, helping remove obstacles that may be preventing conception.
Blessings of Fertility: According to religious texts and beliefs, Radhakund is blessed by Lord Krishna and Radha. By taking a dip in its sacred waters, couples seek their divine blessings for the gift of a child.
Fulfilment of Desires: It is said that those who perform this ritual with utmost devotion and faith are blessed with the happiness of having a child.
The Ahoi Ashtami fast is completed with the evening puja, performed once the stars are visible in the sky. Ahoi Mata, considered a form of Goddess Parvati, is worshipped for the well-being and long life of children. Below are the detailed steps of the puja as described, along with the guidance of Pandit Hitendra Kumar Sharma.
Ahoi Mata’s Picture: Traditionally, a picture of Ahoi Mata is drawn using ochre (geru) on a wall or a piece of paper. In modern times, many people use ready-made images of Ahoi Mata available in the market.
Setting the Puja Area:
A stool (chowki) is placed in the puja area, and a Kalash (water-filled vessel) is set on it.
A Swastika symbol is drawn on the Kalash, which is considered auspicious and invites positive energy into the puja.
Offerings:
Sweet pudding or halwa is prepared as a prasad (offering) and placed before Ahoi Mata.
Mothers offer this prasad along with fruits, flowers, and other items to seek blessings for their children’s long life, health, and happiness.
Reading or Listening to the Ahoi Ashtami Katha:
While performing the puja, mothers hold seven wheat grains in their right hand.
They then listen to or read the Ahoi Ashtami Katha (the story associated with Ahoi Mata). This is a crucial part of the ritual, as it recounts the tale of a mother who overcame adversity and secured the safety of her children through her devotion to Ahoi Mata.
Offering Arghya to the Moon:
After completing the puja and listening to the story, mothers offer arghya (water offering) to the moon. This is done with great reverence, as it signifies the completion of the fast.
The moon is worshipped for providing light and protection, and it is believed that this act strengthens the blessings for the children’s prosperity and well-being.