Ashtami Tithi Begins: Today (October 13) at 9:15 am
Ashtami Tithi Ends: October 14 at 7:10 am
Tara Darshan Muhurat (fast breaking time): 6:45 PM to 7:15 PM (local time)
Yogas: Ravi Yoga, Shiva Yoga, Paridhi Yoga
Nakshatra: Punarvasu Nakshatra
Purpose of the fast: To wish for the long life, happiness, prosperity and good health of the children.
The Ahoi Mata fast symbolizes the sacred bond between motherhood and childbearing. This fast embodies a mother’s devotion, faith, and selfless love, and has been considered a foundation for family happiness, peace, and prosperity for generations.
Dr. Priyanka Saurabh
In Indian culture, fasts and festivals are not merely a means of worship, but rather reflect the depth of life’s ideals, emotions, and relationships. One such fast is the Ahoi Ashtami fast, a sacred festival associated with the spirit of motherhood. Mothers observe this fast to pray for their children’s long life, good health, happiness and prosperity. This festival is a wonderful symbol of a mother’s sacrifice, love, and devotion.
The Ahoi Ashtami fast is observed on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Kartik. This festival falls exactly four days after Karva Chauth and seven days before Diwali. In 2025, Ahoi Ashtami will be celebrated on Monday, October 13th. Auspicious conjunctions such as Adra and Punarvasu Nakshatras, Bava Karan, Paridhi Yoga, and Shiva Yoga are forming on this day. Worshipping and fasting for Ahoi Mata during this auspicious time are considered especially fruitful.
The purpose of the Ahoi Ashtami fast is a selfless vow made by a mother for the longevity, happiness, and safety of her children. On this day, mothers observe a waterless fast and break it only after seeing the stars at night. This fast is an example of a woman’s dedication and faith. In ancient times, it was observed only for the long life of her son, but now it is observed for the well-being of all children—both sons and daughters.
According to legend, a long time ago, there lived a moneylender couple. They had seven children. During Diwali, the moneylender’s wife went to the forest to collect soil for their home decoration. While digging, her shovel accidentally struck a porcupine’s baby, killing it. This deeply saddened her. Shortly thereafter, all seven of her sons died. She remained immersed in grief, believing this was the result of her sins. One day, she confided her grief to a sage. The sage advised her to worship and fast to Ahoi Mata, who would forgive her and protect her sons. With a sincere heart, she observed the Ahoi Mata fast. Pleased with her devotion and repentance, Ahoi Mata granted life to all her sons. Since then, this fast has become a symbol of motherhood, forgiveness, and compassion.
On Ahoi Ashtami, after bathing in the morning, mothers vow to fast throughout the day and pray for the well-being of their children. A dry fast is considered ideal on this day, but some women may choose to eat fruits. In the evening, preparations for the puja are made. A picture of Ahoi Mata is drawn on the wall or on paper. The picture depicts Ahoi Mata, Sahi Mata, and seven sons. Seven stars or dots are also drawn, symbolizing seven children or seven generations. The puja plate contains a kalash (urn), a water pot, milk, roli (roli), rice, halwa (pudding), puri (puri), sweets, and a silver Ahoi.
In the evening, when the star begins to rise, a lamp is lit and Mata Ahoi is worshipped. A story is narrated, and a prayer is offered to Mata Ahoi, asking her to protect her children just as she saved the moneylender’s sons. After the puja, mothers gaze at the star in the sky, offer water to it, and break their fast at that very moment. In many places, mothers also break their fast when the moon rises, but traditionally, the sight of the star is considered the most important.
The word “Ahoi” itself means “mistake,” and “i” means forgiveness. Ahoi Mata is the goddess who forgives unintentional sins and removes troubles from the lives of her devotees. She is considered an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Worshipping Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvati on this day is considered especially auspicious. The effect of the puja is further enhanced when the Shivavas Yoga is observed.
The Ahoi Ashtami fast is not just a religious tradition, but also highlights the role of women in society, their sensitivity, and their sacrifice. This festival highlights the form of motherhood that not only creates but also protects. During this fast, a mother vows to make every effort and sacrifice for the protection and progress of her children. This sentiment makes women revered in Indian culture.
Even in today’s modern age, the significance of Ahoi Ashtami remains undiminished. Despite cities and busy lifestyles, women observe fasts on this day, listen to the Katha online, and perform puja digitally. While the medium may have changed, the sentiment remains the same—a mother’s selfless love and wish for the well-being of her children. This tradition also teaches that while culture changes with time, its roots remain in faith and relationships.
Ahoi Ashtami also has an environmental message. The porcupine described in the story is a wild animal that contributes to the fertility of the land and forests. This story conveys the message that it is human duty to be kind and compassionate towards nature and living creatures. Causing pain to any living creature, even unintentionally, is considered a sin. From this perspective, Ahoi Ashtami is not only a festival of worship for children, but also a festival of compassion for living creatures and respect for nature.
This fast also serves as a means of unity, affection, and social connection within the family. Mothers gather together to listen to stories, perform puja, and share their experiences. This not only strengthens family bonds but also ensures the flow of values across generations. Even young children witness their mothers performing puja on this day, sowing seeds of faith in their hearts.
Ahoi Ashtami also expresses the spirit of life in which, after making a mistake, the path to repentance and correction remains open. This festival teaches us that if someone has unintentionally committed a mistake, forgiveness can be obtained through sincere repentance and prayer to God. This spirit of forgiveness makes society humane and sensitive.
In Indian traditions, every festival holds a deep social and spiritual message. Ahoi Ashtami also teaches that true religion lies not only in worship, but also in love, forgiveness, and compassion. When a mother breaks her fast after seeing a star for her children, she prays not only for her children but for the well-being of her entire family. This fast symbolizes restraint, devotion, and faith in life.
Ultimately, Ahoi Ashtami is a tribute to the power of the Indian woman who creates, nurtures, and protects. This festival celebrates the sacredness of motherhood. In societies where mothers are respected, auspiciousness and prosperity always prevail. This tradition of Ahoi Ashtami reminds us that mothers are not just a source of life, but a divine form whose love sustains the world.
May Ahoi Mata’s blessings remain upon all our children. Heartiest greetings to all mothers on Ahoi Ashtami.
