Ahoi Ashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated by mothers to ensure the well-being of their children. It is observed on the eighth day of the month, approximately eight days before Diwali. The tradition dates back to a story where a woman lost her seven sons due to accidentally killing a lion cub. This year, Ahoi Ashtami will fall on October 24 and the puja timings will start at 06:09 PM and end at 07:28 PM.
Ahoi Ashtami Vrata Puja: An Auspicious Hindu Festival for Children's Well-being
Background
Ahoi Ashtami is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated by mothers to seek blessings for the health, happiness, and protection of their children. It is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Kartik month, which typically falls in October or November, approximately eight days before Diwali.
The festival originated from a mythological tale in the Skanda Purana, where a woman named Ahoi accidentally killed a lion cub. As punishment, her seven sons perished one by one. Desperate, she pleaded with Lord Shiva and Goddess Ahoi for forgiveness. They instructed her to perform the Ahoi Ashtami fast and worship Goddess Ahoi on the auspicious day. By doing so, her sons were resurrected, and the tradition of Ahoi Ashtami was born.
Observances
During Ahoi Ashtami, mothers observe a rigorous fast from sunrise to sunset. They offer prayers and perform rituals to Goddess Ahoi, who is believed to be the protector of children. Offerings typically include a mixture of wheat flour, ghee, and jaggery known as "Ahoi Prasad." Mothers also decorate a small earthen pot or vessel called "Matka" with red paint and adorn it with a thread and a black beaded necklace.
The puja (worship) is performed in the evening after sunset when the moon is visible. The "Matka" is placed on a wooden plank or stool, and the Prasad is placed inside along with lit ghee lamps. Mothers circumambulate the "Matka" and chant devotional songs and prayers.
Significance
Ahoi Ashtami holds immense significance for Hindu mothers. It is believed that observing the fast and performing the puja ensures the good health, longevity, and overall well-being of their children. It also protects them from evil spirits and diseases.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When is Ahoi Ashtami celebrated? Answer: Ahoi Ashtami falls on the eighth day of the Kartik month, which typically occurs in October or November.
2. What is the significance of the "Matka"? Answer: The "Matka" represents Goddess Ahoi and symbolizes her protection over children.
3. Can unmarried women observe Ahoi Ashtami? Answer: Yes, unmarried women can observe the fast and perform the puja to seek blessings for their future children.
4. What should be included in the "Ahoi Prasad"? Answer: "Ahoi Prasad" traditionally consists of wheat flour, ghee, jaggery, and sometimes sesame seeds.
5. Is it necessary to have a black beaded necklace to decorate the "Matka"? Answer: Yes, traditionally, a black beaded necklace is used to symbolize Goddess Ahoi's protection and blessings.
Ahoi Ashtami, a Hindu festival observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik, is dedicated to the well-being of children. On this day, mothers fast from dawn till dusk and worship Goddess Ahoi and Goddess Siyahi for the protection and happiness of their sons. Similar to Karwa Chauth, Ahoi Ashtami is a day of strict fasting, with many women abstaining from water. As it falls four days after Karwa Chauth and eight days before Diwali Puja, it is believed to bring prosperity and blessings to the family.
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