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Ahoi Ashtami, which is also written as Ahoi Aathe or Ahoi Ashtami Vrat, is an important Hindu festival to mothers all over India.
The eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Kartik, which usually falls in October or November, is a lucky day.
People who follow the religion fast from dawn until dusk to pray for the health and happiness of their children.
Ahoi Ashtami 2023 Date
Ahoi Ashtami will be celebrated on Sunday, November 5, 2023, with a lot of joy as mothers get ready to observe the vrat (fast) and do rituals to honor Ahoi Mata. They need to make sure they remember this date.
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Ahoi Ashtami Katha (Story)
To really understand what Ahoi Ashtami means, lets look at the Katha, an old story that goes along with the festival.
A long time ago, in a village there lived a mother named Ahoi who worked hard and cared for her children. She had seven sons, but all of them died.
She couldnt get over her sadness and she longed for children to bring happiness into her home.
One day, Ahoi chose to ask the older people in the village for help. They told her that she was careless and thats why she lost her sons.
No one in Ahoi’s village thought it was okay for her to kill a lion cub in the forest. Because of which both of her sons died too soon
When Ahoi heard this, she was crushed, but she was determined to make things right.
She begged the village god to forgive her and chose to fast strictly on the day of Ahoi Ashtami. She prayed very hard for her sons’ health and safety.
The goddess of Ahoi Ashtami – Ahoi Mata
People believe that Ahoi Mata, the main goddess of Ahoi Ashtami, is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. People worship her as the protector of children and mothers ask her to give their children long lives and good health
Mothers put up a holy picture of Ahoi Mata on a wall or a piece of cloth on this day. The picture usually shows a mother with seven sons, along with tigers and other animals.
This picture represents the story of Ahoi Mata’s devotion and the return of her sons.
Ahoi Ashtami Events and Rituals
During the celebrations, people follow a set of rituals with great devotion and sincerity.
- Fasting: The mothers don’t eat or drink anything during the day, starting at dawn. People believe that this strict fast will strengthen the bond between mother and child and ask Ahoi Mata to protect their children.
- Getting ready: Mothers take a bath and put on clean clothes in the morning. They often dress in red, which is thought to be lucky. On the da of fasting, people pray and make offerings to Ahoi Mata.
- Storytelling: The Ahoi Ashtami Katha is read in the evening Mothers and other female family members get together to hear the story of Ahoi Mata, her love and how her seven sons miraculously came back to her.
A picture of Ahoi Mata is decorated with vermilion after the Katha and gifts of grains, fruits and sweets are made. People who worship the image light a lamp and do aarti.
- When to Break the Fast: The fast is broken when you see the stars in the evening sky. People in the same family often eat sweets and other dishes that the kids really like at these meals.
A Love and Devotion Bond
Ahoi Ashtami is more than just a festival, its a beautiful way for mothers to show how much they love and care for their children
Mothers follow this vrat with unwavering faith because they believe that praying to Ahoi Mata will keep their children safe and healthy.
The rituals of Ahoi Ashtami make the bond between mothers and their children stronger. This is a day to remember the things moms are willing to give up so their family can be happy and successful
Its a festival that families look forward to because it honors mothers’ selflessness and dedication.
Why Ahoi Ashtami is Still Important Today
While Ahoi Ashtami’s roots are deeply rooted in tradition, it is still useful in the modern world. Today, mothers still fast with the same sincerity and devotion hoping for the health and safety of their children.
In today’s busy world, where families are often split up by distance and schedules, this festival reminds us of how much a mother loves and cares for her children.
It brings families back together so they can talk, share stories and get closer emotionally.
A Festival of Coming Together
Ahoi Ashtami is not limited to a certain area or group of people. Hindus all over India celebrate it with the same joy and devotion
People get together with their families to get ready for the festival as the date gets closer. People in the same community feel united and connected because they love and respect Ahoi Mata.
Remember the Day
It is very important for families all over India to have Ahoi Ashtami 2023. On this day, moms, grandmas and other family women get together to show their kids how much they love them.
There will be prayers and worship for mothers early in the morning on November 5, 2023. They will wear red clothes and begin their day
Today is the day of ceremonies, stories and gifts for Ahoi Mata. Women in the family get together at night to break their fast and enjoy a meal while the stars shine.
a day to think and start over.
On Ahoi Ashtami 2023, you should not only pray for good luck, but also think about yourself and start over. As a mother, it is your holy job to care for and watch over your children. It tells them to be careful and kind, just like Ahoi Mata was before she died.
People in the same family get together to tell stories, talk about family values and strengthen the bonds that keep them together. Today makes us think of how strong love is and how important it is for moms to take care of their kids.
An event full of happiness and hope
We don’t know everything about the world, but this festival brings us hope and happiness. A lot of people celebrate the close bond that moms have with their kids. Moms fast and pray today to show how much they love and care for their kids and to wish them the best.
On Ahoi Ashtami 2023, families will gather outside under the stars to enjoy the happiness, blessings and togetherness that this festival brings
Don’t forget how much your mom loves you or how happy you are about the future being better for everyone.
A festival with lots of traditions
Its beautiful because of the customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. They help us remember the things that bring families together and take us back to our roots.
People have been following the Ahoi Ashtami Katha which includes fasting and parties with the whole community, for hundreds of years
How important it is to the society is shown by how much they care about keeping traditions alive.
This festival makes us think about how much a mother loves her kids, no matter how close or far the family is. Take some time to think about what this day really means to you this year on November 5, 2023.
Wishing you love, hope and togetherness during the fasting (vrat), whether you are a mother following the tradition or among a family having good time together
We pray that Ahoi Mata’s blessings stay on all families and bring them happiness and wealth in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is Ahoi Ashtami in 2023?
- Ahoi Ashtami is on Sunday, November 5, 2023.
Q2: What is the significance of Ahoi Ashtami?
- It is a Hindu festival celebrated by mothers for the well-being of their children.
Q3: Who celebrates Ahoi Ashtami?
- It is celebrated by mothers, regardless of their caste or region.
Q4: What are the rituals of Ahoi Ashtami?
- On this day mothers fast for the entire day and worship the goddess Ahoi. They also tell stories about Ahoi Mata to their children.
Q5: When is the Ahoi Ashtami puja performed?
- The puja is performed in the evening, after sunset.
Q6: What are the offerings made to Ahoi Mata?
- Offerings of milk, flowers, fruits and sweets are made to Ahoi Mata.
Q7: What is the Ahoi Ashtami vrat katha?
- The vrat katha is a story about a mother who saved her seven sons from death by worshipping Ahoi Mata.
Q8: What are the dos and dont’s of Ahoi Ashtami?
- On this day, mothers should avoid eating, drinking and doing any housework. They should also avoid sewing, knitting, and using sharp objects.
Q9: What is the best time to break the Ahoi Ashtami fast?
- The best time to break the fast is after seeing the stars.
