Ahoi Ashtami is one of the most cherished festivals celebrated by mothers across North India, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab. 

This auspicious day falls during the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month, just eight days before Diwali. 

Mothers observe a strict fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the long life, health, and prosperity of their children. 

The festival holds immense spiritual significance and showcases the unconditional love and sacrifice that mothers make for their children’s well-being.

When is Ahoi Ashtami in 2025?

If you’re wondering “Ahoi Ashtami vrat kab ka hai” this year, mark your calendar for October 13, 2025.

The festival falls on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

Important Timings for Ahoi Ashtami 2025:

• Ashtami Tithi Begins: October 13, 2025, at 12:19 AM
• Ashtami Tithi Ends: October 13, 2025, at 10:58 PM
• Moonrise Time: Approximately 8:45 PM (varies by location)
• Best Time for Puja: Evening hours before moonrise

Mothers should begin their fast at sunrise and break it only after sighting the moon and offering prayers to Ahoi Mata.

The Significance of Ahoi Ashtami:

Ahoi Ashtami celebrates maternal love and devotion. Mothers undertake the Ahoi Vrat without consuming even a drop of water throughout the day, praying to Ahoi Mata, a form of Goddess Parvati, for the well-being and prosperity of their children.

Much like Karwa Chauth, where wives fast for the longevity of their husbands, Ahoi Ashtami is a day of deep devotion, here, the focus is on children.

Traditionally observed by mothers with sons, modern mothers often fast for all their children, regardless of gender.

This day strengthens the sacred bond between mother and child and is considered spiritually powerful for seeking divine blessings for the younger generation.

Check Auspicious Timings With Today’s Panchang

The Legend Behind Ahoi Ashtami:

The story behind Ahoi Ashtami Vrat is both touching and meaningful. 

According to Hindu mythology, there lived a moneylender who had seven sons and seven daughters-in-law. 

During Diwali preparations, the youngest daughter-in-law went to the forest to collect soil for cleaning and decorating her home.

While digging the soil, she accidentally killed the cubs of a female bear (or syahu) with her spade. 

Grief-stricken and furious, the mother cursed the woman that all her children would die. The young woman was devastated and pleaded for forgiveness.

The bear agreed to lift the curse on one condition: the woman would have to transfer the curse to someone else. 

However, the kind-hearted woman refused to pass her suffering to another mother. 

She approached her six sisters-in-law for help, but none agreed to share her burden.

Finally, she prayed to Ahoi Mata with complete devotion. Moved by her pure heart and maternal love, the goddess appeared and blessed her, neutralizing the curse completely. 

Her children were saved, and she lived a long, happy life. Since then, mothers have been observing this fast to protect their children from harm and seek blessings from the divine mother.

Ahoi Ashtami Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Guide:

Performing the puja correctly is essential to receive the full blessings of this auspicious day. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the rituals:

1. Morning Preparations: 

Wake up before sunrise and take a bath. Wear clean, preferably new clothes in auspicious colors like red, yellow, or orange. 

Set up a clean space in your puja room or a corner of your home where you’ll perform the evening worship.

2. Creating the Ahoi Image: 

Traditionally, women draw an image of Ahoi Mata on the wall using natural colors or wheat flour paste. 

The image typically includes the goddess with her children and sometimes includes stars representing the seven sons. 

You can also use a printed image or painting for the puja.

3. Evening Puja Procedure: 

As evening approaches, gather all the ahoi ashtami puja samagri and begin your worship. 

Light an oil lamp (preferably a ghee lamp) and incense sticks. Place a kalash (water pot) near the image and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets.

Recite the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha with devotion. You can read it from a book or listen to it online. 

After the story, perform the aarti and offer your prayers for your children’s well-being. Sprinkle water from the kalash in all directions as a purification ritual.

4. Breaking the Fast: 

Once the moon rises, offer arghya (water offering) to the moon by pouring water mixed with milk and flowers while looking at the moon through a sieve or cloth. 

After offering prayers to the moon, touch your children’s feet to their forehead (symbolic gesture of transferring blessings) and break your fast by drinking water and eating the prasad.

Also Read: How To Celebrate Chhat Puja For Health And Prosperity?

Essential Items for Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Samagri:

To perform the puja smoothly, keep these items ready in advance:

• Picture or drawing of Ahoi Mata
• Kalash (copper or brass pot) filled with water
• Roli (vermillion), kumkum, and turmeric
• Rice grains (akshat)
• Fresh flowers and garland
• Incense sticks and dhoop
• Cotton wicks and desi ghee
• Sweets (especially homemade ones like pua, mathri, or halwa)
• Fresh fruits
• Coconut
• Betel leaves and nuts
• New cloth for offering
• Sieve or fine cloth for moon sighting
• Small earthen lamps (diyas)

Having the complete ahoi ashtami vrat samagri ready beforehand ensures that your puja proceeds without interruptions and with full devotion.

Fasting Rules and Guidelines:

The ahoi ashtami vrat is considered a strict nirjala fast (without water). However, elderly mothers or those with health conditions may modify the fast after consulting with family elders or spiritual guides.

Dos During the Fast:

• Wake up early and maintain purity throughout the day
• Wear clean, auspicious clothes
• Avoid negative thoughts and gossip
• Spend time in prayer and meditation
• Listen to or read devotional stories
• Help other women in puja preparations

Don’ts During the Fast:

• Avoid consuming any food or water until moonrise
• Don’t engage in arguments or conflicts
• Avoid visiting places of mourning
• Don’t sleep during the day (though resting is acceptable)
• Refrain from harsh words or negative behavior

Also Read: How To Celebrate Karwa Chauth 2025: Rituals & Fasting Guide

Connect With Expert Astrologers on AstroLive:

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Regional Variations in Celebration:

While the essence remains the same, different regions add their unique touch to celebrating this festival. 

In Rajasthan, women exchange karva (small earthen pots) as symbols of good wishes. 

In Punjab, the festival is often celebrated with greater community participation,

With women gathering for a collective puja.

In Madhya Pradesh and parts of Bihar, the festival includes special folk songs dedicated to Ahoi Mata, sung by groups of women. 

These songs narrate the legend and invoke blessings for the children. 

Some families also organize small gatherings where experienced elders share the significance and rituals with younger generations.

Modern Adaptations:

In today’s busy world, many working mothers find creative ways to observe the tradition. 

Some prepare the puja setup the night before, while others use mobile apps for puja vidhi and vrat katha. 

Despite modern challenges, the essence of maternal devotion remains unchanged, proving that faith transcends time and circumstances.

Conclusion:

Ahoi Ashtami is more than just a ritual; it’s a beautiful expression of a mother’s unconditional love and her willingness to make sacrifices for her children’s happiness. 

The festival strengthens family bonds and passes down cultural values from one generation to the next. 

As you prepare to observe this sacred fast in 2025, remember that your devotion and pure intentions are the most powerful offerings to the divine mother. 

May Ahoi Mata bless all children with long life, good health, and prosperity!

FAQ’s:

Q1: Can daughters-in-law observe Ahoi Ashtami for their unborn children? 

Ans: Yes, pregnant women can observe this fast if they’re physically comfortable. However, they should prioritize their health and consult their doctor.

Q2: What if the moon is not visible due to clouds? 

Ans: If the moon isn’t visible, break your fast at the approximate moonrise time after performing the puja. Your devotion matters most.

Q3: Can mothers with only daughters observe this fast? 

Ans: Absolutely! Modern interpretations encourage mothers to observe this fast for all children regardless of gender.

Q4: Is it necessary to draw Ahoi Mata’s image? 

Ans: No, using a printed picture or calendar image is perfectly acceptable if drawing isn’t feasible.