Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. It is considered a very important festival for mothers. There exists a tale associated to answer why is Ahoi Ashtami celebrated. On this day, mothers listen to Ahoi Ashtami vrat kathas and complete the Ahoi Ashtami fast process with full dedication to pleasing Ahoi Mata. Read this to know more about Ahoi Ashtami story, the fast process, and the reason for its celebration. Keep reading.
Ahoi Ashtami – A Festival Of Motherhood
Ahoi Ashtami falls exactly eight days before the commencement of Diwali and four days after Karwa Chauth. Traditionally, the fast of Ahoi Ashtami was kept only by the mothers of sons for their longevity and well-being.
But in the present day, it is celebrated by mothers of every child, irrespective of their gender. This year in 2022, Ahoi Ashtami falls on 17th October.
Ahoi Ashtami Story
The Ahoi Ashtami story originates from an old incident where a moneylender’s 7 sons are cursed to die after their mother accidentally kills a young lion. The grieving parents decide to end their own lives when they are suggested by the gods to worship Goddess Ahoi, who was the protector of all living beings’ offspring. This is how the fast of Ahoi Ashtami came into being.
Read to know more about Ahoi Ashtami vrat katha and Ahoi Ashtami fast process,
Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha
Ahoi Ashtami vrat katha is a tale retold for many years to the ladies observing the Ahoi Ashtami fast. It is a part of the ritual performed during Ahoi Ashtami puja in the evening. The Ahoi Ashtami vrat katha is the same story of the moneylender’s kids having died from a curse.
Their mother performs the rituals to worship Goddess Ahoi and observes fast. She also drew the young lion’s face and repented her sins sincerely. In this Ahoi Ashtami story, Goddess Ahoi, pleased by her devotion, granted her the blessing of fertility.
Ahoi Ashtami Fast Process
In the morning, women take baths and observe fast for the whole day without eating or drinking anything. In the evening, an earthen pot called karwa, filled with water is kept on the Kalash, along with an image of Mata Ahoi drawn on the wall or a photo of Ahoi Mata.
The puja is performed by offering milk, poori and akshat. Women then read Ashtami path or Ahoi Ashtami vrat katha. After moonrise, or when stars are visible, women can break their fast by looking at the moon or the stars.
Also Read- Rules Of Karva Chauth Fast For Newly-Wedded, Engaged, Pregnant And Unmarried Ladies
Why Is Ahoi Ashtami Celebrated?
The reason why is Ahoi Ashtami celebrated by mothers is so that Mata Ahoi blesses their children with good health and successful lives ahead. They also believe that Goddess Ahoi will grant their kids affluence.
Conclusion
Ahoi Ashtami, also known as Ahoi Aathe, is widely spread along with Karwa Chauth and now, many women around the country observe the fast with full devotion and determination. One can never one up the love a mother has for her children.
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