Ahoi Ashtami, a significant Hindu festival, is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm by mothers across India. It is a day when mothers fast from sunrise to moonrise for the well-being and longevity of their children. In this article we will delve into the rituals date and Puja timings for Ahoi Ashtami 2023 ensuring you are well-prepared to celebrate this auspicious day with devotion and love.

What is Ahoi Ashtami ?

Ahoi Ashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik which typically falls in October or November. This festival holds a special place in the hearts of mothers as it revolves around prayers for the prosperity and long life of their offspring.

Rituals on Ahoi Ashtami 2023

• Preparation for Fasting: The day begins with mothers waking up before sunrise to prepare for the fast. They don’t consume food or water throughout the day.
• Drawing the ahoi ashtami katha: Before sunrise, an ahoi ashtami photo is drawn on a wall and the Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha which narrates the legend of Ahoi Mata is recited.
• Sargi Preparation: Mothers prepare a special meal called ‘Sargi’ which typically includes fruits, sweets and various traditional dishes. This meal is eaten before sunrise and provides sustenance throughout the day.
• Decorating the Ahoi Mata Idol: The ahoi mata photo is adorned with sindoor (vermilion) bangles and other traditional items symbolising fertility and well-being.
• Observing the Fast: Mothers abstain from food and water throughout the day and dedicate their time to prayers and rituals.

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• Evening Puja: As the moon rises the evening puja commences. Mothers gather with their families to offer prayers to Ahoi Mata seeking her blessings for the welfare of their children.
• Breaking the Fast: After sighting the moon, mothers break their fast by consuming a sip of water from their husband’s hands. This ritual signifies the successful completion of the ahoi vrat.
• Distributing Sargi: Sargi prepared earlier is distributed to other mothers and young children fostering a sense of community and togetherness.

Ahoi Ashtami 2023 Date

Ahoi Ashtami Puja Muhurat begins from Sunday, November 5, 2023 ( 05:33 PM to 06:52 PM ) and Ahoi Ashtami 2023 begins from 12:59 AM on Nov 05, 2023 to 03:18 AM on Nov 06, 2023. 

The Significance of Ahoi Ashtami 2023

Ahoi Ashtami is not only a day of fasting and rituals but also a time for mothers to reflect on the importance of their children in their lives. The festival encourages mothers to pray for the well-being, health and prosperity of their offspring. It is also a reminder of the values of love, sacrifice and devotion that underpin the mother-child relationship.

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Puja Timings for Ahoi Ashtami 2023

On mata ahoi ashtami, the timings for the evening puja are crucial. It is essential to perform the ahoi puja during the designated hours for maximum significance and blessings. In ahoi ashtami puja timing are as follows:

• • Sunrise: The ahoi mata fast begins at sunrise. Mothers wake up early to start their day with prayers and the consumption of Sargi.

• • Moonrise: The evening puja should be performed after the moonrise. Timing may vary depending on your location so it’s advisable to consult your local Panchang (Hindu calendar) or a priest for precise timings.

• Fasting Duration: The ahoi ashtami fast continues from sunrise to moonrise marking the devotion and dedication of mothers on this day.

Conclusion – Ahoi Ashtami 2023

Ahoi Ashtami 2023 is a remarkable festival that reflects the deep-rooted love and concern that mothers have for their children. The rituals and traditions associated with Ahoi Ashtami symbolise the unbreakable bond between a mother and her offspring. By observing the ahoi fast and performing the ahoi ashtami katha with sincerity mothers seek blessings for the well-being and prosperity of their children.