Ahoi Ashtami
November 4, 2023

The fasting and puja done on Ahoi Ashtami are dedicated to Mata Ahoi or Goddess Ahoi. She is worshipped by the mothers for the well-being and long life of their children.

Ahoi Ashtami or Ahoi Fasting is a Hindu festival observed by Indian women every year for the longevity and well-being of their children. It is celebrated about eight days before Diwali on Krishna Paksha Ashtami.

Ahoi Ashtami and rituals

According to Purnimant calendar followed in North India, it falls during the month of Kartik. However, according to the Amanta calendar followed in Gujarat, Maharashtra and other southern states, it falls during the month of Ashwin.

However, it is just the name of the month which differs, while the fasting of Ahoi Ashtami is performed on the same day.

The fasting and puja done on Ahoi Ashtami are dedicated to Mata Ahoi or Goddess Ahoi. She is worshiped by the mothers for the well-being and long life of their children. Mothers keep a day-long fast and rest their fast after observing a star in the sky. In some places, mothers also break their fast with the sighting of the moon.

This day is also known as Ahoi Aathe since fasting for Ahoi Ashtami is done during Ashtami tithi which is the eighth day of the lunar month.

Ahoi Mata is none other than Goddess Parvati.

Note: North Indian calendric system uses Purnimant Panchangam in which months end in purnima. In South india, Gujarat, Maharatra Months end in Amavasya. So shukla paksha remains common for both. Only Krishna paksha name differs. This means When there is a Kartik Krishna Paksha in north in south and gujarat it's Aswhwin krishna paksha. According to North Indian System Krishna Paksha comes first and then Shukla Paksha. According to South Indian, Gujarat, Maharatra System Shukla Paksha comes first followed by krishna paksha. Hence we have difference.