Ahoi Ashtami (अहोई अष्टमी) 2023: A Festival Celebrating Motherhood and Fertility
Ahoi Ashtami on Saturday, November 4, 2023
Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurat – 06:14 PM to 07:36 PM
Duration – 01 Hour 22 Mins
Govardhana Radha Kunda Snan on Saturday, November 4, 2023
Sanjh (evening) time for sighting Stars – 06:42 PM
Moonrise on Ahoi Ashtami – 12:03 AM, Nov 05
Ashtami Tithi Begins – 02:29 PM on Nov 04, 2023
Ashtami Tithi Ends – 03:48 PM on Nov 05, 2023
Panchang for Ahoi AshtamiChoghadiya Muhurat on Ahoi Ashtami
Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of Kansas City, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
Ahoi Ashtami 2023
Traditionally, on Ahoi Ashtami mothers used to fast from dawn to dusk for the wellbeing of their sons. However, in modern India, the fast is observed for the wellbeing of all children i.e. for sons as well as for daughters. Fast is broken during twilight after sighting stars in the sky. Some women break the fast after sighting the moon but it might be difficult to follow as the moon rises late in the night on Ahoi Ashtami.
Ahoi Ashtami fasting day falls approximately eight days before Diwali Puja and four days after Karwa Chauth. Similar to Karwa Chauth, Ahoi Ashtami is more popular in North India. This day is also known as Ahoi Aathe because fasting for Ahoi Ashtami is done during Ashtami Tithi which is the eighth day of the month.
Similar to Karwa Chauth, Ahoi Ashtami is a strict fasting day and most women abstain even from water throughout the day. The fast is broken only after sighting the stars.
Ahoi Ashtami is a Hindu festival that holds a special place in the hearts of mothers in India. Celebrated about 8 days before Diwali, on Krishna Paksha Ashtami, this festival is a beautiful blend of devotion, tradition, and the hope for the well-being and long life of children. In this article, we will delve into the significance, practices, and origin tale of Ahoi Ashtami, shedding light on the unique cultural aspects that make this festival so intriguing.
Significance of Ahoi Ashtami
Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated with great fervor and devotion in various parts of India, but it is most prevalent in North India, where it falls during the month of Kartik according to the Purnimant calendar. In Gujarat, Maharashtra, and other southern states, it aligns with the month of Ashvin, according to the Amanta calendar. However, regardless of the calendar system, the fasting for Ahoi Ashtami is observed on the same day.
The heart of this festival lies in the worship of Mata Ahoi, or Goddess Ahoi. Mothers observe this fast to seek the blessings of Ahoi Mata for the prosperity and longevity of their children. This day is also known as Ahoi Aathe, as the fasting is specifically done during Ashtami Tithi, the eighth day of the lunar month.
Practices of Ahoi Ashtami
On the day of Ahoi Ashtami, women take a solemn pledge, known as Sankalp, to fast for the well-being of their offspring. The uniqueness of this fast lies in the fact that it is observed without any food or water throughout the day. The fast is broken only after sighting the stars or the moon, in accordance with family traditions.
The preparations for the puja are meticulously carried out before sunset. Women either draw the image of Goddess Ahoi on the wall using geru or embroider it on a piece of cloth, which they then hang on a wall. The image of Ahoi Mata used for the puja should have eight corners, symbolizing the association with Ashtami Tithi. Along with Goddess Ahoi, the images of young children and a lion are also included in the image.
The place of worship is sanctified with holy water, and Alpana, a traditional art form using rice flour, is drawn. Wheat is spread on the floor or a wooden stool, and a water-filled kalash (pot) is placed at the center of the worship area. The mouth of the kalash is sealed with an earthen lid, and a small earthen pot, preferably Karwa, is placed on top of it. The Karwa is filled with water and covered with its lid, with the nozzle blocked using grass shoots.
Offerings include seven shoots of grass, particularly Sarai Seenka, a type of willow, which is symbolic of the festival. The food items used in the puja consist of 8 Puri, 8 Pua, and Halwa, which are offered to a Brahmin along with some money.
Origin Tale
Ahoi Ashtami is not just about rituals; it is deeply rooted in mythology and legends. One such tale associated with this observance is told just after the puja.
Once upon a time, there lived a moneylender who had seven sons. In the month of Kartik, a few days before Diwali, the moneylender’s wife decided to repair and decorate her house for the festival. While digging the soil in the forest to renovate her house, she accidentally killed a young lion with her spade. In response, the animal cursed her, and within a year, all her seven children tragically perished.
Devastated by the loss, the couple decided to embark on a final pilgrimage and, unable to bear their grief, walked until they could no longer continue. Witnessing their suffering, God intervened through an Akashvani (celestial announcement) and instructed them to return home, serve the holy cow, and worship Goddess Ahoi, as she was believed to be the protector of all living beings’ offspring. Following these divine instructions, the couple returned home, felt better, and began observing the Ahoi Ashtami fast.
On the auspicious day of Ashtami, the wife drew the face of a young lion and observed the fast, earnestly repenting for her past actions. Pleased with her devotion and sincerity, Goddess Ahoi appeared before her and blessed her with fertility.
Krishnashtami
In addition to Ahoi Ashtami, there is another interesting aspect of this festival known as Krishnashtami. Women who are seeking to conceive a child perform special prayers and rituals on this day, named after Lord Krishna. They take a bath in Radha Kund, located in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, at Arunodaya, just before sunrise. Goddess Kushmanda is the focus of worship for those desiring the gift of parenthood.
The Significance of Fasting
Fasting during Ahoi Ashtami is not just a ritual; it’s a profound expression of maternal love and devotion. Mothers, with unwavering determination, abstain from food and water throughout the day. This act symbolizes their willingness to endure hardship for the well-being of their children. The fast is considered a solemn vow, and it’s only broken after they’ve witnessed the stars or the moon, adhering to their family traditions.
The selflessness displayed in this fast is a testament to the profound connection between a mother and her child. It’s a day when mothers express their love and devotion, seeking blessings from Goddess Ahoi for the health, happiness, and longevity of their offspring.
The Art of Worship
Puja preparations for Ahoi Ashtami are meticulous and imbued with tradition. Women often draw the image of Goddess Ahoi on the wall using geru, a red ochre pigment, or embroider it on a piece of cloth, which they then hang on a wall. It’s important that the image of Ahoi Mata used for the puja has eight corners, symbolizing the association with Ashtami Tithi.
The place of worship is purified with holy water, and intricate Alpana patterns are drawn, adding a touch of artistry to the proceedings. Wheat is spread on the floor or on a wooden stool, and a water-filled kalash (pot) is placed at the center of the worship area. The mouth of the kalash is sealed with an earthen lid, and on top of it, a small earthen pot, preferably Karwa, is positioned. The Karwa is filled with water and sealed, with its nozzle blocked using grass shoots.
The seven shoots of grass, especially Sarai Seenka, are offered to Ahoi Mata and the lion as part of the ritual. The shoot of Sarai Seenka is symbolic of the festival and is sometimes sold in small towns across India, especially during this period. In case grass shoots are not available, cotton buds can be used as a substitute.
Feeding the Divine
Food plays an integral role in Ahoi Ashtami puja. The offerings are not just a tradition but a way of seeking blessings and expressing gratitude. Typically, 8 Puri, 8 Pua, and Halwa are prepared as offerings. These food items, along with some money, are given to a Brahmin as part of the ritual.
The act of giving food to the Brahmin is an age-old practice in Hindu culture, symbolizing the act of sharing and seeking blessings from the divine. It’s a beautiful way to express gratitude and show compassion for others, especially during a festival that celebrates motherhood and the well-being of children.
The Legacy of Ahoi Ashtami
Ahoi Ashtami is not just a festival; it’s a timeless tradition that continues to thrive, connecting generations of mothers and families. The fasting, rituals, and worship carry a deep cultural significance, and the legend associated with it adds a layer of storytelling and mythology that keeps this festival vibrant and meaningful.
As Ahoi Ashtami approaches each year, mothers across India gather to observe this special day with devotion and love, a testament to the enduring bond between a mother and her child. This unique celebration, with its blend of faith and tradition, remains a beautiful expression of maternal love.
So, the next time you hear about Ahoi Ashtami, you’ll understand the heartfelt significance and the beautiful traditions that make it a cherished part of India’s cultural heritage.
The Heartfelt Vow
The solemn vow taken by mothers during Ahoi Ashtami is a reflection of their selflessness and unwavering love for their children. This vow is not a mere ritual; it is a testament to the lengths a mother is willing to go to ensure the well-being of her offspring. Fasting without food or water for an entire day, often from sunrise to moonrise, showcases the depth of their commitment. It is a powerful expression of love and devotion, and it reminds us of the sacrifices mothers make for their children.
The fasting period concludes after the mother has sighted the stars or the moon. This moment of culmination is filled with anticipation and joy, as it marks the successful completion of the fast, and the blessings are sought for the family’s prosperity.
Rituals and Symbolism
The rituals and symbolism of Ahoi Ashtami are deeply rooted in tradition. The image of Goddess Ahoi, with her eight corners, is symbolic of the festival’s association with Ashtami Tithi. The preparation of the place of worship is a meticulous process, involving the use of holy water and the creation of Alpana patterns. The pot (kalash) filled with water and sealed with an earthen lid represents the sanctity of the ritual.
The small earthen pot (Karwa) is another significant element, its nozzle blocked with grass shoots. These grass shoots, especially Sarai Seenka, add a unique touch to the puja and are considered auspicious. They are offered not only to Goddess Ahoi but also to the accompanying lion. This practice is a beautiful representation of the synthesis of nature and spirituality.
The Act of Giving
Feeding the divine is a practice deeply ingrained in Hindu culture. The offering of food items like Puri, Pua, and Halwa to a Brahmin is a way of expressing gratitude and sharing blessings. It symbolizes the act of giving and seeking the benevolence of the divine. During Ahoi Ashtami, this practice takes on added significance as it emphasizes the importance of compassion, generosity, and the belief in the cycle of giving and receiving.
This act of sharing is a reminder of the values that Ahoi Ashtami embodies – the love of a mother for her children and the sense of community and togetherness that this festival fosters.
A Living Tradition
Ahoi Ashtami is more than just a festival; it’s a living tradition that bridges generations and connects families. The fasting, the rituals, and the worship are passed down from mothers to daughters, preserving the cultural heritage and the deep bond between a mother and her child.
As Ahoi Ashtami approaches each year, mothers across India come together to observe this special day with devotion, love, and reverence. This unique celebration, with its blend of faith, tradition, and storytelling, stands as a testament to the enduring power of maternal love.
In conclusion, Ahoi Ashtami is a beautiful and heartfelt celebration of motherhood and the profound bond between mothers and their children. It showcases the lengths to which a mother is willing to go for the well-being of her offspring and emphasizes the values of love, sacrifice, and compassion.
So, as you hear about Ahoi Ashtami, remember the deep cultural significance and the enduring traditions that make it a cherished part of India’s heritage.
Ahoi Ashtami 2023: अहोई अष्टमी के व्रत में की गईं ये गलतियां पड़ सकती है भारी, संतान पर पड़ेगा असर
Ahoi Ashtami 2023: अहोई अष्टमी के व्रत के भी कुछ नियम बनाए गए हैं, उन नियमों का पालन करना चाहिए, तभी इस व्रत का फल मिलता है..यहां जानिए अहोई अष्टमी के दिन क्या करना चाहिए और क्या नहीं…
Ahoi Ashtami 2023: हिंदू त्योहारों में अहोई अष्टमी एक बड़ा त्योहार माना जाता है. हर वर्ष यह व्रत कार्तिक मास के कृष्ण पक्ष की अष्टमी तिथि के दिन रखा जाता है. जैसे करवाचौथ व्रत पति की सलामती और लंबी आयु के लिए होता है, उसी तरह अहोई अष्टमी व्रत संतान के जीवन, दीर्घायु और उज्जवल भविष्य के लिए रखा जाता है. इस दिन अहोई माता का पूजन किया जाता है, जिन्हें मां पार्वती का रूप माना जाता है.
अहोई अष्टमी के दिन माएं संतान की तरक्की और उम्र के लिए व्रत रखती हैं और देवी अहोई या अहोई माता का आशीर्वाद पाने के लिए मनाया जाता है. शाम को तारों को देखने के बाद व्रत खोलती हैं. अहोई अष्टमी के दिन भगवान शिव और माता पार्वती की विधि-विधान से पूजा की जाती है. हिंदू पंचांग के अनुसार इस साल अहोई अष्टमी व्रत 5 नवंबर 2023 (Ahoi Ashtami 2023 Date) के दिन रखा जाएगा. इस दिन के लिए कुछ नियम बताए गए हैं.अहोई अष्टमी के दिन व्रत करने वाली महिलाओं को बहुत नियम मानने होते हैं. आइए इसी के बार में यहां जानते हैं.
भूलकर भी न करें ये काम
आइए जानते हैं कि अहोई अष्टमी के दिन व्रत रखने वाली महिलाओं को क्या नहीं करना चाहिए.
निर्जला व्रत
महिलाएं इस दिन अपनी संतान के लिए देवी अहोई या अहोई माता से मन्नत मांगती हैं और निर्जला व्रत रखती हैं. शाम को तारों को देखने के बाद व्रत खोलती हैं.
धारदार वस्तुएं
व्रत करने वाली महिलाओं को इस दिन धारदार वस्तुओं का इस्तेमाल करने से बचें. सुई-चाकू जैसी किसी भी नुकीली वस्तु का इस्तेमाल नहीं करना चाहिए.
सोना वर्जित
हिंदू धर्म में व्रती महिलाओं को अहोई अष्टमी के दिन के समय सोना नहीं चाहिए. पूरे दिन माता का ध्यान करें, ऐसा करने से से व्रत का पूरा फल मिलता है.
धातु का ध्यान
शाम को तारों को अर्घ्य देते समय महिलाओं को धातु का ध्यान रखना चाहिए. इस दिन स्टील से बने लोटे का इस्तेमाल करें. इस दिन तांबे का इस्तेमाल वर्जित है.
लाएं अच्छे विचार
व्रत करने वाली महिलाएं पूरे दिन अच्छे विचारों को मन में लाएं. किसी के साथ बुरा व्यवहार न करें, वाणी पर नियंत्रण रखें
Conclusion
Ahoi Ashtami is a festival that beautifully embodies the spirit of motherhood and the desire for the well-being of children. It is a day of devotion, fasting, and celebration, and the underlying legend adds depth and meaning to the rituals. As mothers across India come together to celebrate Ahoi Ashtami, the festival stands as a testament to the enduring bond between a mother and her child.
Now, if you’re eager to learn more about the cultural tapestry of India or want to explore the richness of its festivals, stay tuned for more fascinating articles right here.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Ahoi Ashtami?
Ahoi Ashtami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the well-being and long life of children, celebrated by mothers seeking blessings for their offspring.
2. How is Ahoi Ashtami observed?
Women fast throughout the day, without consuming food or water, and break the fast after sighting the stars or the moon. They conduct a puja dedicated to Goddess Ahoi, using specific rituals and offerings.
3. What is the legend associated with Ahoi Ashtami?
One of the legends tells the story of a couple who, after a tragic event, received divine instructions to worship Goddess Ahoi and were blessed with fertility.
4. What is Krishnashtami?
Krishnashtami is a related observance where women seeking children perform special prayers and rituals, bathing in Radha Kund in Mathura district.
5. When does Ahoi Ashtami typically occur?
Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated about 8 days before Diwali, on Krishna Paksha Ashtami, which varies depending on the regional calendar followed.
