Ahoi Ashtami 2024, Date, Timing, Rituals, History, Significance

Ahoi Ashtami 2024 is an important Hindu festival celebrated by mothers to promote their children’s health and prosperity. It takes place on the 8th day (Ashtami Tithi) of the dark lunar fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in Kartik month, falling eight days before Diwali and four days after Karwa Chauth.

On this special day, mothers observe a fast and worship Goddess Ahoi, asking for blessings for their children’s happiness, health, and success. The festival beautifully showcases the deep love and dedication of mothers as they pray for their children’s well-being, reinforcing their bond.

For more details about the date, auspicious timing (shubh muhurat), significance, and other essential information about the festival, see below:

Ahoi Ashtami 2024

Ahoi Ashtami 2024 is a significant Hindu festival celebrated on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha, the dark fortnight of the moon, during the month of Kartik. This special day is marked by mothers who fast with devotion for the well-being and prosperity of their children.

On Ahoi Ashtami, mothers wake up early, take a ritual bath, and offer prayers to Goddess Ahoi Mata. They observe a strict fast throughout the day, breaking it only after sighting the stars in the evening. This fasting tradition is believed to bring good health, longevity, and success to their children.

The festival is also an opportunity for families to come together and express their gratitude towards mothers, who selflessly work for their children’s happiness and well-being.

Important Days in October 2024

Ahoi Ashtami 2024 Date

This year, Ahoi Ashtami 2024 will be celebrated on October 24, 2024. The Ashtami Tithi will begin at 1:18 AM on October 24 and conclude at 1:58 AM on October 25.

Ahoi Ashtami 2024 Shubh Muhurat

The Shubh Muhurat for Ahoi Ashtami Puja is from 5:43 PM to 6:59 PM on October 24, 2024. Star sighting is expected to occur around 6:07 PM, according to the Panchang.

Ahoi Ashtami 2024 History

In a popular myth, a couple had seven sons. One day, the mother went to the forest to gather soil for Diwali decorations. Unfortunately, while she was digging, her axe accidentally struck a cub, killing it. The cub’s mother was heartbroken and cursed the woman, leading to the tragic deaths of her seven sons.

Later, an old woman visited the grieving mother and advised her to pray to Ahoi Mata. She suggested that the mother should feed and care for a cow to gain Ahoi Mata’s favor. After following this advice, the cow was pleased and granted her wish, her seven sons returned to her. Since that day, mothers have worshipped Ahoi Mata, seeking her blessings for the well-being of their children.

Ahoi Ashtami 2024 Significance

The significance of Ahoi Ashtami extends beyond simply seeking blessings for children; it emphasizes the value of motherhood and the selfless, unconditional love that mothers have for their kids. Observing this fast is also believed to help mothers atone for past sins and attain salvation.

This festival is not exclusive to mothers with sons; daughters are encouraged to participate in the vrat for their well-being and prosperity as well. Ahoi Ashtami celebrates the special bond between a mother and her children, with the blessings of Ahoi Mata believed to offer protection and guidance throughout their lives.

Ahoi Ashtami 2024 Rituals

The main ritual of Ahoi Ashtami involves a fast observed by mothers, who refrain from eating or drinking throughout the day. They only break their fast after sighting the stars in the evening. Some devotees choose a partial fast, consuming only fruits and milk during the day. This fasting is believed to help remove obstacles and bring prosperity to the family.

In addition to fasting, mothers conduct a special puja for their children’s well-being. They take a pitcher (karwa) and use henna (mehendi) to draw images of their seven sons on it. The pitcher is then filled with water and set aside for the puja. After breaking the fast, mothers offer prayers to the moon god and break their fast by drinking the water from the pitcher.

In certain regions, Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated as a community festival. Women gather in groups to perform the puja together, exchanging sweets and gifts to spread joy and happiness among one another.

Ahoi Ashtami Puja

Ahoi Ashtami is a special festival where mothers prepare a dedicated puja thali as offerings to Ahoi Mata. This thali typically includes a plate of seven grains, a pot of water, a diya (lamp), flowers, and incense sticks.

One of the key offerings is seven pooriyas, which are deep-fried flatbreads made from wheat flour. These pooriyas are filled with either sweet or savory stuffing and often decorated with edible colors.

The puja begins with the mother lighting the diya and offering incense to Ahoi Mata. She then recites the festival’s story, known as the Ahoi Ashtami vrat katha. After completing the puja, the mother breaks her fast by eating the pooriyas and other offerings, sharing them with her children and family members.

Ahoi Ashtami is a meaningful day for Hindu mothers to celebrate their bond with their children while praying for their well-being and happiness.

Ahoi Ashtami 2024 FAQs

Q.1. When is Ahoi Ashtami celebrated in 2024?
Ans. Ahoi Ashtami will be celebrated on October 24, 2024.

Q.2. What are the main rituals of Ahoi Ashtami?
Ans. Mothers observe a fast, perform puja with offerings, and recite the Ahoi Ashtami vrat katha to seek blessings for their children.

Q.3. What should be included in the Ahoi Ashtami puja thali?
Ans. The puja thali typically includes seven grains, a pot of water, a diya, flowers, incense sticks, and seven pooriyas.

Q.4. What is the significance of fasting on Ahoi Ashtami?
Ans. Fasting is believed to promote good health, longevity, and success for children while helping mothers atone for past sins.

Q.5. Can daughters observe Ahoi Ashtami?
Ans. Yes, daughters are encouraged to participate in the vrat for their well-being and prosperity, making it a celebration for all children.